PT 2026 
.H3 H3 
Copy 1 



Hermann and Dorothea 



A PSOSE TlAKSLATIOH 



Harris 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

Chap. Copyright No. _„ 

ShelL_Jli_H 3 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



A PROSE TRANSLATIO N 



OF 



GOETHE'S HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 

BY J; B. HARRIS, A. M. \ 

(?■ ' 



"A genuine piece of world literature cannot remain 
long locked up in any one language, but will ultimately 
find its wav into the tongue andhomes of all who appre- 
ciate a work of genius " 



Issued from the Review Press, 
Wilton Junction, Iowa. 




42190 



Copyrighted. 1899. 



TWO COPIES RECEIVED. 



t Of 



m/ster of Col? 





Fats and Surnpathjj. 



" Never have I seen the streets and the pub- 
lic square so lonely ! It is as if the town had been 
swept; as if it had died out. It seems to me that 
of all our population scarcely fifty have remained 
behind. What will curiosity not do ? Every one 
is running and bustling, anxious to get a glimpse 
of the mournful procession of the poor refugees. 
It is almost an hour's walk out to the highway on 
which they are passing, and yet people are hurry- 
ing and skurrying out there through the heat 
and dust of the sultry noontide* v For my part 
I do not care to bestir myself, nor leave my com- 
fortable place here in order to witness the misery 



2 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



of these good people who have been obliged to 
leave their beautiful land beyond the Rhine, to flee 
from it, carrying with them the remnant of their 
worldly possessions, and to come over to us, and 
who are now passing through this, the most for- 
tunate corner of this fruitful valley with its grace- 
ful windings." 

" You have done well, my good wife, in send- 
ing our son out there with old linen and some- 
thing to eat and drink, that he might minister to 
the wants of these unfortunates, for giving is the 
peculiar function and prerogative ot the rich. 
How the young fellow can drive! How excellent- 
ly he manages the firey ste-ds! What a fine appear- 
ance our new carriage makes. There are com- 
fortable seats in it for four, with the coachman on 
the box. But this time the boy drove alone. How 
gracefully the little carriage rolled around the cor- 
ner!" Thus spoke the host ot the "Golden Lion" 
to his wife as they were comfortably seated by the 
gateway ot their hotel facing the public square. 

Thereupon the wise, intelligent housewife 
replied: "Father, I do not like to give away the 
cast off linen, for it is useful for many purposes, 
and when it is urgently needed can not be had for 
money, but to-day I gave away not only this, but 
many a better piece of overwear and shirts, for I 
had heard oi children and even adults who were 
trudging along out there destitute of proper cov- 



FATE AND SYMPATHY 3 

ering. And, will you forgive me? I even ran- 
sacked your wardrobe! and in particular I sent 
along your diessing gown made of the finest cot- 
ton, decorated with Indian flowers and lined with 
soft flannel. However it was thin and old and 
entirely out of style.' 1 

''But," the excellent husband smilingly replied, 
"I shall think of it with regret though — the old 
cotton dressing gown! Genuine East India ma- 
terial! Such an one is not to be obtained again. 
Ah, well; I had quit wearing it at any rate. Nov/ 
a days they will have it that a man must always 
have a coat on. One scarcely dares show him 
self without being rigged out in a dress coat and 
well fitting boots. Slippers and cap, as well as 
dressing gown, are relegated to the past.'' 

"See," answered the wife, "several of the peo- 
ple who went out t^ see the procession are com- 
ing back. I think it must have all passed by. 
But see how dusty all their shoes are, and how 
their faces glow! and how each one is drawing 
out his handkerchief and wiping the sweat. I 
should not like to go so far in the sweltering heat 
to witness such a spectacle, and I should hesitate 
about enduring the exertion of such a jaunt. In 
listening to a description of what others have seen 
I shall experience sufficient pain." 

Thereupon the good lather said with energy, 



4 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA. 



"There is seldom indeed such fine weather as at 
present, and at the same time such splendid crops. 
We shall be able to put away our grain in good 
condition, just as we have the hay. The sky is per- 
fectly clear, with not a cloud in sight, and 
the wind comes irom the east with a deli- 
cious cooling. It is settled weather, and the grain 
is over ripe. To-morrow we shall begin to cut 
the bounteous harvest.'' 

As he spoke the crowd ot men and women who 
were betaking themselves across the public square 
to their respective homes Was continually on the 
increase. At the same time came the wealthy- 
neighbor, the foremost merchant of the place, 
driving briskly along on the opposite side of the 
public square in his open barouche (it was a splen- 
did one, built in Landau) accompanied by his 
daughters. This party, too, were returning home 
and were rapidly approaching their recently re- 
modeled mansion. The streets had quickly be- 
come animated, for the little city was quite pop- 
ulous and many manufacturing industries were 
carried on in it, and much traffic. And thus the 
happy couple were sitting cosily by the gateway 
entertaining each other by many remarks about 
the passing crowd. 

At length the worthy housewife, suddenly inter- 
rupting the conversation, exclaimed, "See, yon- 
der comes our pastor and our neighbor, the apoth- 



FATE AND SYMPATHY. 



5 



ecary, with him. They are coming this way and 
they will tell us what they have seen out there and 
that which it was not pleasant to behold." They 
both came up and, cordially greeting the worthy 
couple, they seated themselves upon the wooden 
benches along side of the arched entrance to the 
hotel, brushed the dust from their shoes and fan- 
ned themselves vigorously with their handker- 
chiefs. Then, after the usual mutual greetings, 
the apothecary took up the conversation and said, 
almost bitterly, "That is just the way with people 
at any rate; and truly one is just like the other. 
Every one is glad to gape and stare whenever a 
misfortune overtakes his neighbor. Each one 
will run out to see the flames as they are ruinous- 
ly raging about. Each one delights to gaze upon 
the poor criminal who, in accordance with his 
sentence, is being led forth to execution. And 
each one now takes pleasure in going out there to 
behold the wretchedness of these poor refugees, 
and no one seems to consider that a similar mis- 
fortune may befall him, perhaps next, or at some 
time in the future. I consider frivolity utterly un- 
pardonable. However it is one of the attributes 
of mankind." 

Upon this the noble, intelligent pastor, a young 
man approaching his prime, who was an ornament 
of the city and was well acquainted with the lives 
and needs of his hearers, who was permeated by a 



6 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



high estimate of the value of the Holy Scriptures 
which disclose to us the destinies and inclinations 
of mankind, and who was also well versed in the 
best secular literature, spoke up and said: "I do 
not find fault with whatever of harmless impulse 
good mother nature has given to mankind, for, 
what sense and reason could never accomplish, 
such a fortunate propensity, conducting us irresist- 
ibly along, can very frequently effect. If curiosi- 
ty, with its potent charms, did not entice a man, 
say, how would he learn how beautifully worldly 
things stand related to each. For, first, he longs 
for the new, then he seeks the the useful with un- 
flagging ardor, but lastly he desires the good 
which can elevate him and make him worthy. In 
youth each one has a joyous companion, namely 
frivolity, which conceals from him all danger and, 
with healing balm, quickly blots out the traces of 
grievous pain as soon as it has at all ceased. Tru- 
ly, that man is to be praised whose sober judgment 
in his riper years has been developed from such 
cheerfulness, who in prosperity, as well as in ad- 
versity, exerts himself zealously and energetically; 
for he thus produces good and compensates for in- 
juries whichhe may have done to others " 

All at once the housewife, somewhat impatient 
but yet in her most winning manner, interrupted 
him by saying, " But, tell us what you have seen, 



FATE AND SYMPATHY 



7 



out upon the highway, for that is what I am anx- 
ious to know." 

To this the apothecary with energy replied: "It 
will be a long time before I shall again re- 
cover my spirits after ail I have experienced to- 
day; and who could properly relate the story of 
such varied misery ? On our way out to the high . 
way as soon as we had reached the open mead- 
ows we observed in the distance great clouds of 
dust. The procession was stretching from hill to 
hill, further than the eye could reach, so that little 
could be distinctly discerned. But when we had 
gained that part of the road which cuts diagonally 
across the valley, the press and tumult of the 
foot passengers and the wagons had become tre- 
mendous. Alas! we then saw enough of the poor 
creatures as they were passing by, and from one 
and another of them we could learn how bitter 
the painful flight had been, and how joyous the 
feeling that even life had been saved by hasty 
flight How sad it was to behold the manifold 
possessions which only a house can conceal — -the 
the carefully provided goods, those which a pru- 
dent householder has put away so as to be easy 
of access when needed — -to see these now all stowed 
away piomiscuously upon all kinds of wagons and 
carts and only saved by the utmost haste. Upon 
the doors of the cupboard lies the sieve and the 
blanket; in the kneading trough, the bed; over the 
mirror, the sheet. Ah! danger takes away from a 



8 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



person all his judgment, exactly as we saw it at 
the time of the fire, twenty years ago; so that one 
will sieze and carry away that which is of no im- 
portance and leave behind that which is costly 
and precious. Thus, in this case, these people 
were carrying away with them, with thoughtless 
care, the most unimportant and trifling articles 
and thus unnecessarily oppressing and overload- 
ing the oxen and horses; old boards and casks, the 
goosepen and the bird cage. Thus also women 
and children were panting as they dragged them- 
selves along, loaded down with baskets and tubs 
filled with things of no earthly use; for a person is 
always most loath to forsake even the last of his 
possessions. And thus the crowded procession 
went pressing and thronging arong the dusty road 
without order and in utter contusion. One, who 
was traveling with beasts too weak' to endure the 
toil, wished to drive slowly, while another, better 
equipped, was anxious to hurry along. Hence 
arose an outcry from women and children, crowd- 
ed and jostled together, and with this was min- 
gled the lowing of cattle and the howling of dogs, 
At the same time one could distinguish the wail- 
ing of the aged and sick who were sitting and 
rocking to and fro upon beds fixed high up on the 
tops of the loads of the overpacked wagons.\ But 
as some creaking wheel, pressed out of the beaten 
track, would go astray towards the margin of the 



FATE AND SYMPATHY 



9 



highway the vehicle would be overturned and 
hurled into the ditehA Then the people alongside, 
frightened by the fail of the wagon would rush 
with .fearful outcry out into the adjoining field. 
But usually such occurrences were not attended bv 



any serious damage 
top of a load would be 



Then again some cask on 
jarred loose and would fall 
close to the wagon. I And truly whoever witnessed 
these occurrences could but expect to see some 
one crushed under the weight of falling chests and 
cupboards. /And if perchance a wagon had been 
broken and the people were left helpless the others, 
instead of lending a helping hand, would pass 
heedlessly by, thinking only of themselves and 
thankful that they had been, as it were, rescued 
from the stream. We hastened to such a scene 
and found there the old and sick, who at home 
and in their beds could scarcely endure their suffer- 
ing, lying here upon the ground injured, groaning 
and moaning, scorched by the sun and suffocated 
by the waving dust. 

Thereupon the humane landlord, touched, by 
sympathy and pity, said; "I shall be pleased if 
Hermann finds them and assists in refreshing and 
supplying them. As for my part I should not- like 
to see them. I am always pained at the sight of 
affliction. Moved by the first intelligence of such 
suffering, we have hastily sent out a trifle from our 
abundance that at least a few might be aided by 



IO HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 

it, and by this we seem to have satisfied ourselves 
in regard to the matter. So let us not again re 
new the sad picture, for fear and dread soon steal 
over the hearts of men and these are more hateful 
to me than evil itself. But pray step back here 
into this rear room, -this cooler little hail. The 
sunshine never reaches in there, nor do the warm- 
er currents of air penetrate the thick walls And, 
mother dear, bring us a glass of that good old 
wine of eighty-three that with it we may attempt 
to dispel these sad thoughts. It would not be so 
cozy to drink out here, and besides, the flies would 
buzz about the glasses and make it unpleasant.' 1 
This invitation they thankfully accepted, went in 
and enjoyed the delicious coolness ot the place. 

Attentively, the mother brought in a portion of 
the richly sparkling wine in a decanter upon a 
brightly polished pewter waiter and with it the 
pale green rummers, the appropriate goblets for 
the noble Rhenish wine. And so the three seated 
themselves about the well waxed round table as it 
stood upon its massive feet. Immediately, the 
glasses of the host and the pastor clinked merrily 
as they brought them together, but the other 
thoughtfully held his motionless, and the host 
noticing his hesitation challenged him with these 
friendly words. "Drink cheerfully, neighbor, for 
God has thus far graciously protected us from 
misfortune and He will also in the future in the 



FATE AND SYMPATHY 



same manner continue to protect us. Who does 
not acknowledge that since the Frightful fire by 
which He so severely punished us, He has con- 
stantly prospered us, and as constantly guarded us 
as a man protects the precious apple of his eye, 
more dear to him than any other member of his 
body? And shall He not in the future continue to 
surround us by His protecting care and to provide 
aid for us in time of need? Only in time of 
danger can we realize our entire dependence upon 
His sustaining hand. Is it probable that He will now 
destroy the blooming city which He has but re- 
cently caused to rise up anew out of the ashes of 
the old one through the industry and energy of 
the citizens, and bring all their endeavors to 
nought? " 

Spiritedly, the worthy pastor said by way of in- 
terruption, k£ Hold firmly to that belief and to 
that way of thinking, for it makes one discreet 
and secure in fortunate times and in times of mis- 
fortune it presents to him the truest consolation 
and revives the most divine hope." 

Then the host answered with these manly, pru- 
dent thoughts, " As 1 have so olten greeted with 
admiration the noble Rhine stream when I have 
in travelling on business approached it, it always 
appeared to me huge, and elevated my thoughts 
and my very soul. But I could not believe that 
its lovely banks would ever become a rampart to 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



ward off the French and its far stretching channel 
an all obstructing ditch. But see, thus nature 
protects our iand and the brave Germans protect 
it, and thus the Lord will protect us. Who then 
would foolishly despair? Already are the combat 
ants becoming weary, and everything betokens an 
early peace. Yet T ardently desire that when the 
loug wished for peace festivities are celebrated, 
when in our church the bells join their peals with 
the sound of the organ, when the trumpet clangs 
forth, accompanying the high Te Deum, then I 
wish, My Reverend Sir, that on that very day my 
Hermann would present himself before you at the 
altar with his selected bride, and that thus to me 
personally this joyous festive day. celebrated 
throughout the land, should appear as the anni- 
versary of a great domestic joy. But I am dis- 
pleased to see this youth who is so lull of activity 
at home and who bestirs himself so promptly at my 
desire while there, become slow and bashful when 
abroad. He takes but little pleasure in showing 
hirxself amongst people. Yes, he even shuns the 
company of young ladies, and the joyous dance 
which every other youth is anxious to enjoy." 
But as the landlord was thus speaking he stopped 
to listen. The stamping of horses was heard. 
The distant din seemed to be approaching. At 
length the rolling of the coach was distinguished 
as with unwonted speed it thundered bv under the 
arch of the gateway. [Hermann had returned!] 



II 



Hermann, 

When now the well proportioned youth entered 
the room the pastor looked at him with a penetra- 
ting glance and contemplated his appearance and 
his whole demeanor with the eye of a critic who 
can easily fathom the thoughts by the general ex- 
pression. Then he smiled nnd addressed him in 
these confidential words " You have in reaiity 
come back * changed man. I have never before 
seen you so cheerful and your look so vivacious, 
joyous you come and lively. One can tell at a 
glance that you have wisely portioned out your 
gifts amongst the needy and in return received 
their blessing. " Then the son quietly and with 
well selected, serious words made this reply: 

" Whether I have acted wisely and in a praise- 
worthy manner or not, is not for me to say, but 
my heart has bidden me do just what I shall 
now proceed to relate to you without polish and 
without exaggeration. 

" Mother, you rummaged so long in order to find 
and select just the pieces you thought best to send 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



with me. that you were late in getting the bundle 
made up, and the wine and beer had to be slowly 
and carefully packed. As a consequence, when T 
at last came out before the gateway on to the 
street the throng ol citizens with women and chil- 
dren were streaming back and meeting me, for the 
procession of the refugees had already passed by 
and were to be seen only in the distance. Observ- 
ing this I quickened my speed and drove hastily 
toward the village where they, as 1 had heard, 
proposed to halt and spend the night. As now I 
was driving rapidly along upon the new street my 
eye fell upon a vehicle ingeniously constructed 
from roughly hewn timbers and drawn by a yoke 
of oxen, the largest and strongest that had been seen 
in the country. A young woman was walking 
alongside with firm but graceful steps, and was 
guiding the two powerful animals with .a long ox- 
goad. She was urging them forward or restrain- 
ing their speed according to her wish and was 
thus showing herself to be a skillful driver. 
When the girl espied me she composedly ap- 
proached close to my horses and addressing me 
said, ' We have not always been in as pitiable a 
plight as you behold us here upon the road today, 
and I have never been accustomed to asking gifts 
from strangers for they very frequentlv give unwil- 
lingly in order to get rid of what they take to be 
miserable paupers, but at this time necessity com- 



HERMANN 



*5 



pels me to speak. Here in the cart upon the 
straw lies the quite recently delivered wife of a 
rich landholder whom I have with much difficulty 
succeeded in rescuing by means of the oxen and 
cart. Belated, we are following after the proces- 
sion and life is almost all that remains to the un- 
fortunate one. The new born babe is lying al- 
most naked in her arms and our own people can 
afford us but little aid if we even find them at the 
next village, where we think to spend the night, 
but T I very much fear they will. have passed on be- 
fore we shall be able to reach them. If you be- 
long here in the neighborhood and have anything 
in the way of old linen that you can spare, O, 
present it kindly to the poor. '/'Thus she spoke, 
and at the same time the poor sick woman 
languidly raised herself from her couch of straw 
and with visage p>ile as death looked out towards 
me. But I said to them both, . • Oftentimes a 
heavenly messenger seems to speak to good peo-- 
ple so that they anticipate the need that impends 
to a poor unfortunate brother. Impelled by such 
a presentiment my good mother has entrusted to^ 
me a small bundle that I may be able to relieve 
any who may be in want of proper clothing.' 
And with this I opened the knots of the cord and 
delivered over to her my father's old dressing 
gown, and shirts, and various pieces of linen. She 
joyfully thanked me and cried out in pious exalta- 



t6 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



tion. 'The fortunato person does not believe that 
miracles are yet being performed, for only in mis- 
ery is the finger of God recognized, which points 
out to good men the opportunity of doing kind 
acts. May this timely aid, which He, through 
you, has so mercifully bestowed upon us in our 
time of utmost need, be abundantly repaid to you 
by His lavish hand if distress or want should at 
any time overtake you.' And I noticed the afflicted 
mother with a look of relief carefully examining the 
various pieces of linen and feeling with particular 
satisfaction the delicate texture of the flannel with 
which the dressing gown was lined. 'Let us hast- 
en on,' said the young woman, ' toward the vil- 
lage where our kinsfolk and neighbors are already 
resting and where they will probably stay through 
the night. There I shall attend to the making of 
the different pieces of the child's clothing ' And 
she greeted me yet again and spoke out her heart- 
felt thanks. Then she started her team and the 
wagon began to move slowly away." 

''But as for me, I still lingered and detained my 
impatient horses, for a question arose in my own 
mind whether I had best, with hastening steeds 
proceed to the village and distribute the articles 
of food which I still had in the carriage amongst 
the crowd which I should find there, or whetner I 
should at once, and here, give everything over to 
this maiden and entrust to her the task of portion- 



HERMANN 



17 



ing it out discreetly amongst those whom she knew 
to be most needy. And I decided quickly in my 
own heart, and I drove quietly after her and soon 
overtook her and at once said: 'Good maiden, my 
mother has not only placed in the carriage linen 
for me to furnish those who are unprotected, but 
she has entrusted to me, in addition, food and 
quantities of refreshing drinks and there is abund- 
ance of it here in the cases of the coach. And 
now I have about decided to place these gifts also 
in your hand, and thus to execute in the best pos- 
sible manner the commission with which I have 
been charged. You can portion it out with judg- 
ment, whilst I should have been obliged to trust 
to chance in the distribution.' To this the young 
woman replied, ' With perfect fidelity will 1 distri- 
bute your gifts. The needy alone shall enjoy the 
benefits of your bounty.' When she had thus 
spoken I opened the pockets of the coach and 
brought forth the heavy hams and the loaves of 
bread, the flasks of wine and the bottles of beer? 
and handed all over to her. I should' have de- 
lighted in giving her much more but the coach 
had been emptied, the stock had been exhausted. 
She packed all these things in her cart at the feet 
of the sick woman and then drove on, and I giv- 
ing the reins to the horses hastened back to the 
city." 



i8 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



Scarcely had Hermann concluded his story 
when the garrulous apothecary took up the con- 
versation and cried out, " O happy is he who in 
these days of flights and disturbances lives alone 
in his house, and to whose side neither wife nor 
child timidly clings. I feel fortunate in the pres- 
ent condition of affairs, for I would not today lor 
a good deal be called father and be encumbered 
by wife and children. I have already frequently 
meditated upon flight and I have gathered togeth- 
er the best of my goods, the old coins and chains 
which belonged to my departed mother, no part of 
which has as yet been sold. Indeed, there will much 
remain behind which cannot be easily procured 
again. I shall miss even the herbs and roots, 
the collection of which has required much indus- 
try and care, although their real value is not very 
great. If my assistant will remain, I shall go 
from here without reluctance. When I shall have 
saved my ready money and other valuables, I 
shall have saved all I care for. The single man 
can certainly get away the easiest." 

At this, young Hermann spoke up with energy: 
" Neighbor, by no means do I think as you do, 
and I find fault with your harangue. Is he a wor- 
thy man, who in prosperity and adversity, thinks 
only of himself and does not understand how to 
share with others his joys and his sorrows, and 
whose heart does not impel him to do this? I 



HERMANN 



l 9 



should rather today than ever before resolve to 
marry, for many a good maiden needs the protec 
tion of a husband, and many a man needs the 
cheering influence of an amiable wife when mis- 
fortunes seems to be impending.'' 

Smiling, the father said, " I am so glad to hear 
you speak in this way. Such sensible words you 
have seldom spoken in my presence." 

Then the good mother immediately interposed, 
" Certainly, my son, you are in the right. We, 
your parents, have set you the example. For not 
in prosperous days did we make choice of each 
other, but on the contrary, the saddest of hours 
served to unite us. It was on Monday morning, 
I remember it clearly, for on the day before had 
occurred that frightful conflagration which de- 
stroyed our city. Twenty years have now passed 
since that startling event. It was on a Sunday 
like today. It was hot and dry, a time of drouth, 
and of scarcity of water. Almost all the people 
had either gone out to walk in their holiday attire 
or were distributed amongst the adjacent villages, 
or in the public houses and mills. Just then, at 
the end of the street, the fire broke out. With 
fearful speed the flames leaped along the streets, 
originating for themselves the currents that swept 
them forward. The barns and the recently gath- 
ered harvests were consumed and the streets as 
far as the public square were made desolate. Nei- 



20 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



ther my father's house nor the one where we are 
now sitting was spared. We were able to save 
but little. All that dreadful night through I sat in 
the commons before the city guarding the chests 
and beds which we had managed to get together 
out there. At last, however, sleep overcame me 
and when at length I was awakened by the refresh- 
ing breezes of the morning which precede the 
rising sun. I saw the smoke and the glow, the 
hollow walls and the isolated chimneys. Then 
was my heart oppressed. But the sun arose with 
its wonted magnificence and with this, courage 
was infused into my soul. Then I arose quickly and 
an impulse came over me, prompting me to go 
and view the places where the dwellings had stood 
and to see whether the chickens which I so great- 
ly prized had been saved, for my disposition was 
that of a child. As I was now clambering over 
the ruins of the house and court which were still 
smoking, and as I was noticing how desolate and 
ruined they all appeared, then you, father, came 
up on the other side and commenced to examine 
the smouldering heap. You had had a horse bur- 
ied in the ruins of its stable. Smoking beams and 
rafters and heaps of rubbish were strewn about 
but nothing pertaining to the animal could be 
found. Thus we stood confronting each other 
thoughtful and sad, for the wall which had hither- 
to separated our courts had fallen. And you 



HERMANN 



grasped my hand and said, ' How came you here, 
Lizzie? Come away; you will burn \our feet, for 
the rubbish is yet hot. It even scorches my stout 
boots.' And you lifted me up and carried me over 
here through your court. The gateway of the 
house with its arch was still standing just as it 
now is. It alone of all the building had remained, 
in position. And you set me down here and kiss 
ed me, and I tried to prevent you. But you said 
with gentle significant words, ' See the house is ly- 
ing in ruins. Remain here and help me rebuild 
it and I will, on the other hand, help your father 
at his.' But I did not understand you till you 
sent your mother to my father and then quickly 
the solemn vow of the joyous marriage was con- 
summated. I remember with great pleasure to 
this day the half-burned beams, and I yet always 
rejoice at a glorious sunrise, for such a day gave 
the my husband, and the early period of this wild 
destruction gave me the son of my youth. And, 
therefore, I praise you Hermann that with purest 
intentions you have your thoughts fixed upon a 
worthy maiden even in this distressful time, and 
that you da^e to think of marriage in time of war 
and even upon the very ruins." 

Then at once and with vivacity the father re- 
plied: " Yes, the thought is praiseworthy and the 
incidents which you have related to us are correct 
in every particular. All happened, dear mother, 



22 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



just as you have told it. But when one can do 
better let him do it. It is not the lot of every one 
to begin his life and his whole career, as it were, 
from the same starting point. It is not necessary 
that each one should be so perplexed and put to it 
as we and others have been. Happy is he to whom 
father and mother have given over a house already 
well equipped, and who decorates and beautifies it 
by means of his own prosperity. All beginnings 
are attended with difficulty but the hardest of all 
beginnings is that of the landlord Such a person 
is continually in need of a great variety of things, 
and everything is daily becoming dearer; there- 
fore it stands him in hand to acquire more money. 
And what I hope concerning you, my Hermann, 
is that in the near future you shall bring in to us a 
bride with a fitting marriage portion, for a wide- 
awake, spirited man deserves for his wife a well- 
dowered maiden. And it is so befitting when, 
with the much desired wife, the useful presents in 
baskets and cases are also forthcoming. Not in 
vain has the mother been preparing for many 
years great stores of linen for her daughter, both 
of fine and of strong fabric. Not in vain do the 
godparents bestow upon her a plentiful supply of 
silver ware, and the father lay aside for her in his 
desk the rare gold piece. For she ought for. this 
once to delight with her possessions and gifts that 



HERMANN 



2 3 



youth who has chosen her. above all others. Yes, 
I know how comfortable that young wife can 
make herself at home, who recognizes in kitchen 
and chamber her own furniture and who knows 
that she herself has supplied the outfit for both 
table and bed. I should not like to have a bride 
in our house who is not properly endowed, for a 
poor girl will at last be despised by her husband 
He will soon come to consider her as a maid, as a 
maid who came into the house carrying her bun- 
dle under her arm.. Men will remain unjust, and 
the time of love soon vanishes. Yes, Hermann, 
you should greatly rejoice my old age by bringing 
soon into my house a daughter-in-law from our 
own neighborhood here, from yonder green house 
for instance. The father is certainly rich now 
and his merchandising and factories are as cer- 
tainly making him richer each day. For in what 
way does the merchant not make money? There 
are only three daughters. They alone shall share 
the entire estate. The eldest is already engaged; 
that I know; but the second, as well as the third, 
is yet to be had; but perhaps it may not long be 
so. Had I been in your place I should not have 
delayed thus long, but should have brought one of 
them home for myself just as you have heard th at 
1 brought mother here in times that are past." 

Then the son answered modestly to 
the importunate father; " My inclination 



24 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



was in accordance with your ideas. 1 thought to 
make choice of one of our neighbor's daughters. 
We have been educated together, together have 
we played and romped in former times beside the 
fountain in the public square, and often have I 
protected them from the wild rudeness of other 
boys Yet this has all long since ceased The 
growing girls at length remained at home as it was 
proper for them to do, and absented themselves 
from the wilder games. They are certainly well 
bred. I ever, went over there at times out of old 
acquaintanceship and because you wished it, but 
1 never could enjoy myself in their company. 
They were continually criticizing me, and I had to 
put up with it. My coat was entirely too long, 
the cloth was too coarse and the color too tame. 
My hair was not properly trimmed nor was it 
frizzed according to the style. At last it came 
into my mind to fix myself up exactly like those 
counterskippers who are continually showing 
themselves over there of a Sunday, and around 
whom flaunts the hall-silken rag which they are 
accustomed to call a summer coat. Yet soon I 
found that they always had the better of me, and 
that was to me a bitter experience. My pride was 
wounded and it offended me still more deeply that 
the daughters so persistently misconstrued the 
good intentions which I cherished towards them, 
and especially towards Minnie, the youngest. 



HERMANN 



2 5 



And so finally I went over there on Easter day. I 
had put on the new coat which is now hanging up- 
stairs in the wardrobe, and my hair was frizzed up 
like that of the other young fellows. As I entered 
they began to giggle, but I pretended not to notice 
it. Minnie was sitting at the piano. The father 
was present and was listening to the singing of his 
favorite daughter. He was overjoyed and in ex- 
cellent spirits. Many things that were contained 
in the songs I was not able to understand, but I 
heard much about Pamina and about Tamino, and 
since I did not wish to be considered stupid, as 
soon as the song was ended I began to inquire 
about the words and about both the leading char- 
acters. At this they all became silent but smiled 
and the father said, You know no one then, my 
friend, except Adam and Eve, do you? ' Then 
no one restrained himself. The girls as well as 
the boys laughed long and loud and the old gen- 
tleman held his sides to keep within the bounds 
of civility. I let my hat fall out of embarrass- 
ment and the tittering continued on and on, no 
difference how much they sang and played. 
Abashed and angry, I hastened home again, hung 
up my coat in the closet, straightened out my hair 
with my fingers, and took an oath never again to 
cross their threshold. And I was in the right for 
they are vain and uncharitable, and I understand 
that ever since they call me Tamino " 



26 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



Then the mother quietly remarked, " Hermann, 
you should not stay angry with those children so 
long, for they are, indeed, all children together. 
Certainly Minnie is kind and she was always at- 
tached to you. Just the other day she was inquir. 
ing about you. You should make choice of her.'' 

But the son thoughtfully answered, " I know not 
how it is but that affront impressed itself so deep- 
ly upon me that I should not again like to see her 
at the piano nor to hear any more of her songs." 

Then the father burst into a passion and spoke 
these wrathful words: " Little joy shall I exper- 
ience from you. I have always said so since you 
have shown that you take no pleasure in anything 
except horses and farming. What the servant of 
of a well to do man is expected to do, that you 
persist in doing yourself. And because you do 
this your father is deprived of a son who should 
appear well amongst other people and be an hon- 
or to his father. And, thus your mother deluded 
me with a futile hope when you never succeeded 
at school in reading and writing and learning of 
any kind, and when you always had to occupy the 
lowest place in your class. Certainly, that could 
only be the case where there is a lack of ambition 
in a youth, and when he does not aspire to any 
exalted position. Had my father taken the pains 
with me that I have with you, had he sent me to 
school and employed a teacher as I have done, 



HERMANN 



27 



indeed I should have been something other than 
the landlord of the Golden Lion. 1 ' 

Then the son arose and in silence approached the 
door, slowly he went and without bustle. 

But the father, enraged cried alter him, "Yes, 
you may go off. I know the obstinate fellow. 
Go, and from this time on conduct the business of 
this establishment in a manner that shall be satis- 
factory to me, but do not think to bring into this 
house as my daughter-in-law, any rude, low bred 
huzzy. Long have I lived and I know how to 
transact business with people I know how to pro- 
perly entertain men and women, so that they may 
go away satisfied. I know how to please strang- 
ers with winning address. Of such a disposition 
must my future daughter in-law be. She must be 
one who can sweeten for me my many cares and 
anxeties. She must be able to play on the piano, 
and all the best and handsomest people of the 
city shall assemble here at my house of a Sunday 
afternoon just as they do at my neighbor's.'' 
Then softly the son pressed upon the latch and 
quietly left the room. 



nr. 



Ths Citizens. 

Thus the modest son escaped from the violent 
harangue of the father, but the latter continued in 
exactly the same strain as that in which he had be- 
gun: "What does not exist in a person that you 
can't get out of him, and it is doubtful whether 
the fulfillment of my heartfelt wish will ever be re- 
alized, namely, that my son may not only be like 
his father, but in many respects better. For what 
would a house be like, what would a city be like, 
if no one thought of preserving it, of renewing it, 
and of adopting such improvements as the chang- 
ing of the times, and the habits of other nations have 
suggested ? A person must not grow up out of the 
ground like a mushroom and then immediately 
decay on the spot which gave him birth, leaving 
no trace of his activities during his lifetime. 
From the appearance of a house one can form a 
pretty distinct notion of the disposition of its 
master and just so in passing through a city one 
can judge quite clearly in regard to its official 
management. For where the towers and walls are 



THE CITIZENS 2Q 

tumbling down, where filth and rubbish are allow- 
ed to accummulate in the gutters, and to be strewn 
about on all the streets, where the stone has be- 
come loose in the arch and is not at once replaced, 
where the beam is decaying and the public 
buildings are in vain awaiting new foundations, 
there one may confidently maintain that the mun- 
icipal regulations are defective. For, where order 
and cleanliness does not emanate from the author- 
ities and diffuse itself through the masses, there 
the citizen quickly accustoms himself to slovenly 
habits, just as the beggar becomes accustomed to 
his rags. Hence it has been my desire that Her- 
mann should soon set out on a journey in order 
to visit at least Strausburg and Frankfort and the 
friendly Mannheim, which is so uniformly and 
charmingly built. For whoever has visited these 
large, well kept cities, will not rest in future till 
he has done his part towards beautifying his own 
place, however small it may be. Does not the 
stranger in our own city praise the well repaired 
gates, the whitened tower, and the renovated 
church? Does not each one of our own citizens 
take pride in our pavements and well distributed 
conduits covered, and plentifully supplied with 
water, thus combining utility with security, so that 
a check may be given to a fire instantly at its first 
outbreak? Have not all these improvements been 
made since the time of our frightful conflagration? 



3° 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



I was appointed six consecutive times as building 
commissioner in the council, and I certainly de- 
served the applause and the heartfelt thanks which 
I received from our good citizens. I executed in- 
dustriously what I undertook during my own term 
of office, and I also carried out the plans of my 
worthy predecessors which they had left incom- 
pleted. Thus at length new enthusiasm was in 
fused into each member of the council. Each 
one is now willing to exert himself, and already 
has the new turnpike road connecting our city 
with the main highway been determined upon. 
But I very much fear that the rising generation 
will not act in this way, for some of these seem to 
think only of pleasure and of the changes in their 
finery, while others choose to cower at home and 
to brood behind the stove, and I very much fear 
that such an one Hermann will always remain. 

Then the kind, intelligent mother at once re- 
plied. " You are always so unjust towards your 
son and in this way least of all can your good 
wishes in his behalf be realized; tor we cannot 
train up children exactly according to our own no 
tions. As God gave them to us so must we keep 
them and love them and educate them to the best 
of our ability and then let each one follow his 
own bent; for the one may be possessed of certain 
natural gifts which are not so prominent in the 
other. Each one uses his own powers and each 



THE CITIZENS 



31 



one is only in a certain way good and happy. I 
shall not let my Hermann be severely criti- 
cized, for I know that he is .worthy of the 
property which he will at some time inherit, and 
and he will be an excellent landlord, a pattern 
for citizens and peasants, and in the council, 
I see it plainly, he is not destined to take the low- 
est place. But by daily scoldings and fault-find- 
ings you deaden all courage and manly impulse in 
the young fellow's breast, just as you have done 
to-day.'' And she at once left the room and has- 
tened after her son that she might find him some- 
where and with kindly words cheer him up, for he, 
the excellent son, was worthy of better treatment. 

As soon as she was gone the father smiled and 
said: "What a wonderful set these women and 
children are. Each one wants to live and act on 
ly in accordance with his own pleasure, and after 
they have done so they expect to be praised and 
flattered for it. After all, the proverb of the an- 
cients still holds good: 'Whoever is not making 
progress is falling back.' And so the matter 
stands.'' 

Then thoughtfully the apothecary answered: 
"Willingly do I admit all this, neighbor, and I am 
continually looking about myself for some im- 
provement, provided it is not too expensive and 
yet is novel. But pray what advantage is there in 
being active and stirring and in making improve- 



32 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



ments within and without, if one has not abund- 
ance of money. Only too greatly is the average 
citizen straitened in his resources. He is not able 
to attain the good even though he recognizes it. 
His purse is too short and his needs are too nu- 
merous. In this way he is always kept back. 
Many a thing in the way of improvement I should 
have attempted, but who does not shun the cost 
of such alterations, especially in these precarious 
times? Long ago would my house have smiled 
for me in a fashionable dress, long ago would the 
windows on all sides have glistened with huge 
panes of plate glass had it not been for the mon- 
strous cost. But who can compete with the mer- 
chant, who, in addition to his ability to pay for 
the best ot everything, knows also the means by 
which it can be obtained? Only look at his new 
house over there. How splendidly in the green 
panels the stucco work of the white scrolls shows 
itself. The frames of the windows are immense. 
How those huge panes glitter and reflect so that 
the remaining houses upon the public square are 
eclipsed. And yet immediately after the fire our 
houses were finer than his, both the 'Dispensary 
of the Angel' and tavern of the 'Golden Lion.' 
My garden was also renowned throughout the 
whole region. Every traveler used to stand and 
look through the red lattice work at the beggars 
in stone and the painted pigmies. Every visitor 



THE CITIZENS 



33 



whom I entertained with coffee in the grotto 
which was then so magnificent but which now 
stands there filled with dust and half fallen into 
decay, highly admired the shimmering lights of 
the beautifully arranged shells; and even the con- 
noisseur gazed with deluded eye upon what he 
supposed to be real corals and galena. The paint- 
ings in the summer house were also much admired, 
in which gaudily attired ladies and gentlemen 
seemed to be taking pleasure walks in the garden 
and to be plucking with the tips of their fingers 
the dainty flowers and arranging them into ex- 
quisite nosegays. But who would so much as look 
at that kind of thing now? I am so thoroughly 
disgusted with modern notions that I scarcely ever 
go out there nowadays. Everything now has to be 
so different, genteel, as they call it. The lattices 
and wooden benches must be plain white. All 
must be simple and smooth. Carving and 
gilding are dispensed with, but the most costly for- 
eign woods must be used for all purposes 

"Still, I should be inclined to procure something 
new for myself, to endeavor to keep pace with the 
times and to frequently renew some of my furni- 
ture, but one is afraid to rearrange even the most 
trifling article, for who at the present rates would 
be able to pay the workmen? Latterly it has 
come into my mind to have the angel 'Michael,' 
which designates my office, and the grizzly dragon, 



34 HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 

which lies coiling about his feet, regilt. But I 
shall let it all remain dusky as it is. The price 
demanded for the work fairly terrifies me." 



IV 



MnthEP and Son, 
Thus the men went on talking and entertaining 
each other. Meanwhile the mother had gone out 
to search for her son. And first she looked for 
him upon the stone bench in front of the house, 
which was his accustomed seat. When she did 
not find him there she went to the stables to see 
whether he was attending to those splendid horses, 
that magnificent span which he had bought as 
colts, and which he would entrust to no one's care 
except his own. But the stable boy said he had 
gone into the garden. Then she quickly passed 
through the long double courtyard, leaving behind 
her the stables and the well built barns, and enter- 
edthe garden which extended far out, as far as the 
very, walls of the city. She walked through this 
and greatly enjoyed witnessing each growth of 
vegetation. Here she placed upright the props 
which supported the well loaded branches of the 
apple trees, and the over-weighted twigs of the 
generously productive pear trees, and there she 
quickly removed some caterpillars from the burst- 



36 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



ing cabbages, for an active housewife takes no 
steps in vain. Thus she reached the end of the 
long garden as far as the arbor covered with 
woodbine, but she failed to find her son there 
just as she had hitherto failed to discover him in 
the other parts of the garden. But now she noticed 
that the little gate which her ancestor, the worthy 
burgomaster, had at one time, as a special favor, 
been permitted to cut through the city wall out of 
the arbor, was set ajar, and so she went without 
discomfort through it and across the dry moat, 
where immediately on the street lay on a steep ac- 
clivity the well fenced vineyard, its surface facing 
directly to the sun. She also entered this and in 
the ascent rejoiced in the abundance of the grapes 
which could scarcely conceal themselves under 
the foliage. The high trellis in the middle was 
covered over and shady, and the ascent was by 
steps of unhewn stone from one terrace to the 
succeeding one. On this hung the Chaseilas and 
Muscatel grapes, reddish-blue in color and besides 
of a wonderful size and flavor, all planted and 
cultivated for the express purpose of furnishing an 
exquisite dessert plate for the guests. The re- 
maining part of the hill was covered with single 
stalks bearing smaller grapes from which comes 
the luscions wine. Thus she went up enjoying al- 
ready in anticipation the vintage and the festive 
day on which the whole region in exultation 



MOTHER AND SON 



37 



should gather the grapes and tread them out and 
collect the juice into casks, whilst in the evening 
fireworks would be sent up, illuminating the heav- 
ens on all sides far and wide, for thus is this the most 
beautiful of harvests celebrated. Yet she became 
more and more uneasy as she went along and es- 
pecially so after she had called twice and thrice to 
her son and received as an answer only the multi- 
plied echoes which resounded in loquacious bab- 
blings from the towers of the city. It was so 
strange for her to be hunting him. He never 
went: iar away, but if he should conclude to do so 
he would certainly tell her in order to avert the 
anxiety of his loving mother and to allay her fear 
of a mishap. Yet she hoped ever to find him 
in her course, for the gates of the vineyard, the 
upper as well as the lower, were likewise standing 
open... And now she entered the field, which with 
its wide surface crowns the brow of the hill. And 
yet all this time she was travelling upon their own 
possessions, and she rejoiced in their own crops, 
and in the glorious waving grain which was sway- 
ing in golden vigor over the entire field. She was 
walking upon the footpath which formed the bor- 
der between two fields, and she had in view the 
huge pear tree, which stood upon the hilltop and 
marked the boundary of the land which belonged 
to them. No one could tell by whom it was 
planted. It could be seen far and wide through- 



3« 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



out the region and; its fruit also was renowned in 
the whole neighborhood. Under it the reaper 
was accustomed to enjoy. his meal at midday and 
and in its shade the herdsman would await the 
coming of his cattle. , Seats of rude stone and of 
sods were placed there. And she was not mistak- 
en, for there sat her Hermann, resting. He was 
leaning upon his elbow and appeared to be gazing 
into the region beyond the mountains with his 
back turned toward his mother. Softly she glided up 
and lightly she touched him on the shoulder. He 
turned quickly towards her and then she saw tears 
glistening in his eyes. "Mother," said he, per- 
plexed, "you startled me. r And quickly he dried 
up his tears, that youth ot noble sensibility ! "Why, 
you are weeping, my son/' answered the mother, 
much surprised. "In that condition I do not 
know you. That is a new experience to me. Tell 
me, what oppresses your heart? What impels you 
to sit here lonely under the pear tree? What forc- 
es those unwilling tears into your eyes?" 

And then the manly youth, composing his emo- 
tions, said, "Of a truth there is- no heart in the 
brazen bosom of him who does not now appre- 
ciate the distress of these cast out people. There 
is no judgment in the head of him who is not 
thoughtful for' his own welfare and for that ot his 
fatherland in these dark days. What I have seen 
and heard this day has touched my heart. And 



MOTHER AND SON 



39 



now I come out here and behold this magnificent- 
ly outstretched landscape which unfolds itself be- 
fore us in these fruitful hills, behold the golden 
grain bowing in anticipation of the harvest, and 
the profusion of fruit promising us well filled lard- 
ers. But, ah, how near the enemy is I It is true 
that the flood of the Rhine protects us, but what 
now are floods and mountains to that frightful 
people who, like a thunderstorm is approaching. 
For they call together their youth as well as their 
aged from all sides, and press lustily forward, no 
one fearing death for himself in such a throng, one 
host pressing close after the other. Ah! under 
these circumstances is there one true German 
who dares to remain idly at home? One who can 
hope to escape the ruin that threatens all? Dear 
mother. I say to you that I am vexed this day that 
I was exempted the other day when the levy was 
being made from our citizens. It is true that I am 
an only son, and our home interests are important 
and our business considerable. But were it not 
far better for me to be making resistance in front, 
out on the borders, than to await misery and serf- 
dom here at home? Yes, my soul has told me so, 
and courage and zeal are incited in my innermost 
bosom, to live and to die for my fatherland, and-to 
set for others an example worthy of imitation. 
Truly, if the strength of the German youth was 
concentrated at the frontiers and they resolved 



40 HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 

not to yield to the foreigners, then should these 
never dare to tread upon our sacred soil, nor to 
consume before our very eyes the products of our 
land nor to rule our men nor to carry off our 
wives and our maidens. See, mother, I have de- 
termined in my deepest heart to do at once, and 
without delay, that which appears to me right and 
sensible. For whoever wavers and hesitates long 
is sure to choose that which is not for the best. 
See, I shall not now return home but shall go 
from here directly to the city and give over to the 
military authorities this arm and this heart in or- 
der to serve my fatherland. Then let my father 
say whether there does not dwell even in my 
bosom a sense of honor, and whether even I have 
not higher aspirations. 1 ' 

To this the good, intelligent mother answered 
significantly, shedding quiet tears which came 
unbidden to her eyes. "Son, what change has 
wrought itself within you and in your very soul, 
that you speak not openly and freely to your 
mother as you did yesterday and have always 
done before, and do not say to her that which is 
in accordance with your wishes? If now a third 
person could hear you speak he would certainly 
praise you and extol your resolution as the no- 
blest, having been deceived by your words and 
your serious speech, but I can only find fault with 
you, for see, I know you better. You are trying 



MOTHER AND SON 



41 



to conceal your heart and you have entirely differ- 
ent thoughts. For, I know it, the drum and the 
trumpet have no attractions for you, nor do you 
desire to appear before the young ladies in uni- 
form, for however gallant and worthy you may be 
it is still your destiny properly to keep the house 
and quietly to till the fields. Therefore tell me 
unreservedly what has impelled you to this decis- 
ion. 

Seriously the son said, ''You are mistaken moth- 
er. One day is not like another. The youth rip- 
ens to manhood, but often it is better that he 
should attain to that estate in quietude than amid 
the bustle and din of wildly excited existence, 
which has ruined many a youth. And however 
quiet and unassuming I am and always have been, 
within my breast has ever beaten a heart that 
loathed wrong and injustice, and I understand 
right well how to judge of worldly things. Labor 
has also strengthened and wonderfully developed 
my bodily powers. All that I said before is true; 
I feel it, and dare maintain it. And yet you were 
right in finding fault with me, my mother, and you 
have detected me in half true words and in half 
dissimulation, for I confess that immediate danger 
did not call me from my father's house, nor the 
exalted ideas of being helpful to my country and 
frightful to the foe. Those were only words which' 
I spoke and were merely intended to conceal from 



42 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



you the emotions which were rending my very 
heartstrings. And so leave me, O, mother, to my 
decision, for since I cherish a vain desire in my 
bosom, just so let my life also go out in vain. And 
this will be the case,, for I know full well that any 
one who thus devotes himself singly to his coun- 
try's cause without the united co-operation of all 
is only forfeiting his own safety and existence.'' 

Then the good mother said. '-Just keep on and tell 
me all, the smallest as well as the greatest. For 
men are so impetuous and are apt to consider 
each difficulty which they encounter as final and 
insurmountable, and their very impetuosity allows 
each difficulty to force them from their proposed 
course. But woman is expert in devising means, 
and she proceeds by an indirect course, and hence 
is siiccessful in attaining her purposes. Therefore, 
tell me all. Tell me why you are so violently ex- 
cited, as I have never before seen you. Why the 
blood courses through your veins, and why the 
tear is forced, against your will, to start from your 
eye. " 

Then the good youth yielded himself to the pain 
and wept; wept loud upon his mother's bosom, 
and thus mollified he said "Oi a, truth, my fath- 
er's speech this day has perplexed and annoyed 
me. I never deserved it, neither to-day nor any 
other day. For, to honor my parents w T as from 
my infancy up, my dearest joy, and no one ap~ 



MOTHER AND SON 



43 



peared to me wiser or better than those by whom 
I have been reared, and who have governed me 
with judgment in the inexperienced period of child- 
hood. Many things have I endured with patience 
from my playfellows when they have often repaid 
my good will with malicious tricks. Often have I 
restrained myself from much coveted revenge for 
tumble or stroke received at their hands, but if 
they ridiculed my father as he was coming out of 
the church of a Sunday with stately, dignified 
step, or if, on other occasions, they laughed at the 
ribbon of his cap or the flowers on the dressing 
gown which he wore in such a stately manner, and 
which we gave away to-day, then immediately and 
menacingly was my fist clenched and with furi- 
ous rage I fell upon them and struck and beat 
with a wild onset without considering the conse- 
quences. They would howl with bloody noses 
and tear themselves away with difficulty from the 
lusty kickings and beatings. And thus 1 grew up, 
suffering much from my father who, instead of 
others, would often take it out upon me in words, 
when at the last sitting of the council his displeas- 
ure had been aroused, and I thus atoned for the 
contentions and machinations of his colleagues. 
Ofttimes have you yourself pitied me for I under- 
went much, but ever bore in mind the kindness of 
my parents, which shall always be esteemed, and 
how they were planning to increase our property 



44 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



and possessions, and how they were depriving 
themselves of many things in order to lay up for 
their children. But ah! hoarding alone in order 
to enjoy it later on does not insure happiness. 
Heaps upon heaps of wealth does not insure hap- 
piness, nor does acre upon acre, no difference how 
nicely the estates fit in along side of each other. 
For the father is growing old and the sons are 
growing old with him without the enjoyment of 
to-day, and with all the cares of to-morrow. Look 
down there and tell me, how magnificently do 
those beautiful, luxuriant plains spread out before 
us, and below them the vineyard and the garden, 
and there are the barns and the stables! What a 
fine array of estates; and then I see yonder in the 
ell of the house that the window of my chamber 
in the attic shows itself to us in the gable. And 
when I go back over past times and think how on 
many a night 1 was there to await the rising of the 
moon, and how on many a morning I had already 
arisen before the rising of the sun, the sound sleep 
of a few hours only sufficing for me, ah, then how 
the chamber and the court and the magnificent 
field which stretches itself out over the hill, how 
all of these only augment my loneliness. Every- 
thing lies as a waste before me. I am destitute 
of a wife!" Then answered the good mother, 
with intelligence: "Son, you do not desire more 
than your father and mother do, that you should 



MOTHER AND SON 



45 



take to yourself a bride who should render the 
work of the day less onerous and monotonous, 
and should dispel the loneliness of the night time. 
We have always advised you, yes, even urged you 
to make choice of some maiden. But I have always 
known and my heart tells me, even now, that if at 
the proper time the proper' maiden is not found, 
the selection of a wife will be postponed or never 
made, and that fear of making an unwise choice 
is the most effective cause for such postponement. 
But dare I say to you, my son, that my belief is 
that you have already made your choice? For 
your heart is touched and more than ordinarily 
sensitive. Tell me the whole story at once for my 
soul has already said to me that it is that maiden, 
the exile, whom you have chosen." 

"Dear mother, you have said it, " answered the 
son with alrcrity. "It is she, and if I do not bring 
her home as my bride yet to-day, she will go forth 
and perhaps vanish forever from me in the bewil- 
derment of the war and in the sorrowful move- 
ments to and fro, and ever after that, mother, shall 
these goodly possessions prosper in vain before 
my eyes. In vain, in that case, shall the future 
years be fruitful years, yes, the accustomed house 
and garden shall be disagreeable to me. Ah! and 
even the love of my mother, even it shall fail to 
comfort me in my forlorn condition; for love sev- 
ers each bond, that I feel, which existed before, in 



46 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



order to firmly unite the new one; and not alone 
does the maiden leave behind father and mother 
to follow her espoused husband, but the youth, 
also, regards no longer the ties that bind him 
him to father and mother, if he sees his only be- 
loved maiden about to be separated from him. 
Therefore, let me go whither my despair,;is about 
to drive me. For my father has spoken the de- 
cisive words, and his house is no more mine if he 
chooses to shut out the maiden whom of all oth- 
ers I desire to bring home." 

Then quickly answered the good, amiable moth- 
er. "Just like two rocks will two men stand out 
opposed to each other. Unmoved and proud, 
neither will approach the other. Neither will 
loosen his tongue first to the reconciling word. 
Therefore I say to you, my son, there still lives in 
my .heart the hope that he will yet allow her to be 
betrothed to you, if she but be good and worthy 
although poor, however decidedly he has rejected 
the unfortunate one, for he utters very many times 
in his hasty fashion that which he fails to accom- 
plish, and in this way he yields to the one making 
the request. But he longs for a kind word and he 
has a right to it for he is a father. We also know 
full well that his anger, after drinking, when he 
speaks more violently and contradicts the reason- 
ing of others, is never significant. The wine has 
then aroused each power of his violent will and 



MOTHER AND SON 



4 7 



causes him to ignore the words of others. He 
hears, and is sensible of himself alone. But 
by-and-by the evening comes on and much 
conversation is interchanged between him and his 
friends. Then he becomes milder, I know it, 
when the slight intoxication has passed off and he 
feels the injustice which he has exhibited to oth- 
ers by his hasty way of speaking. But come; we 
may venture at once. Only. that which is boldly 
undertaken succeeds, and we shall have need of 
the friends who are now sitting with him, and es- 
pecially will the worthy pastor be helpful to us." 
Thus she spoke, quickly arising from the stone up- 
on which she was sitting, and she drew her son 
also from his seat, who, without objection, follow- 
ed her. They both came silently down the hill, 
pondering upon the important resolution. 



V. 



The CnsmnpnlifaiL 

But the three men were still sitting there and 
talking, the landlord, and with him as guests, the 
minister and the apothecary, and the conversa_ 
tion was still on the same theme as that which 
had been carried on the whole time, back and 
forth on all sides. But the worthy pastor in his 
turn, with excellent judgment, added: "I do not 
wish to oppose you. I am aware of it, the indi- 
vidual should always stiive for improvement, and, 
as we have seen, he is always aspiring to a more 
exalted station and at the least he always seeking 
something new. But he must not go too far, for 
besides these tendencies, nature has also given us 
the desire to remain in the old stations and to en- 
joy that to which one has long been accustomed. 
Every station in life is desirable which is natura- 
and is in accordance with reason. Man wishes 
much for himself, yet he needs but little, for his 
days are few and the destiny of mortals is circum- 
scribed. I never find fault with the man who, ever 
driven about actively and restlessly, frequents 



THE COSMOPOLITAN 49 

boldly and industriously all the seas and thorough- 
fares of the earth and rejoices in his gains and 
who provides bountifully for himself and for those 
who are dependent upon him. But that other 
person I also consider worthy, that quiet citizen 
who goes about his paternal inheritance with silent 
steps and takes care of his lands just as the seasons 
demand. The ground does not change for him 
from one year to another. The newly planted 
tree does not hastily spread out its branches tow- 
ard heaven, ornamented with richly colored blos- 
soms. No, the man needs patience, he needs also 
a pure, equable, tranquil disposition and an up- 
right understanding, for he entrusts to the nour- 
ishing earth but a few seeds at any one time and 
he has capacity for rearing and multiplying but 
few cattle at a time. All his thoughts are center- 
ed upon the usetul. Happy is the man to whom 
nature has given a disposition thus inclined; he 
provides nourishment for us all. But particularly 
favored is the resident of the smaller town who 
can with rural industry combine some urban oc- 
cupation. He is free • from the burden of care 
which so oppressively restricts the operations of 
the farmer nor does the anxiety of the much covet- 
ing towns people perplex him; those who, though 
destitute of means, are accustomed continually to 
imitate the richer and higher classes. This is 
most frequently the case with the women and girls. 



So 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



Ever fortunate therefore is the quiet demeanor of 
your son and of the wife whom, doubtless of the 
same disposition with himself, he shall at some 
time make choice of.' 1 Thus he was speaking 
when all at once the mother entered with the son. 
Leading him by the hand she placed him before 
her husband. "Father," she said, ''often whilst 
chatting together have we spoken of the joyous 
day which would come at some future time when 
Hermann should rejoice us by at last making 
choice of a bride. And our thoughts ran hither 
and thither, and vve chose for him first this maid- 
en and then that one, with parental solicitude. 
And now the day has arrived. Now heaven has 
brought forward and shown to him his bride. His 
heart has come to a decision. Have we not al- 
ways said that he himself should choose for him- 
self? And did you not desire but a short time 
ago that he should seek for a vivacious and spright- 
ly companion? Now has the hour come He has 
sought and has chosen, and has manfully decided. 
It is that young woman, the foreigner, with whom 
he met to-day. Permit him to marry her or, he 
has sworn it, he will ever remain single." Then the 
son spoke up and said, "Father, let me marry her. 
My heart has purely and steadfastly chosen her. 
She will prove herself to be to you the worthiest 
of daughters. But the father was silent. 

Then the minister quickly arose, took up the 



THE COSMOPOLITAN 



word, and said: '"There is always one supreme 
moment in which a final decision is made in re- 
gard to one's life and one's destiny. For, after 
mature deliberation the conclusion that one final- 
ly arrives at is only the work of a moment. It is 
truly only the sensible person who decides in ac- 
cordance with right. It is always dangerous in 
making an important decision to be considering 
this and that proposition aside from the main 
point at issue, and thus to confuse the emotions. 
Hermann is pure. I have known him from youth 
up and as a boy he restrained himself from reach- 
ing forth his hand after frivolous things. What he 
particularly desired was always suitable for him 
and having obtained it he was apt to retain it. Be 
not amazed and taken back that now, suddenly , 
what you have so ardently desired has made its 
appearance, and that the fulfillment may not in 
reality have the form of the wish just as you may 
have cherished it. For our wishes conceal from 
us even the true object of our desires. The gifts 
of Heaven come down from above in their 
own shapes and forms. Hence do not misdeem 
the girl who has first moved the soul of your good, 
beloved, sensible son. Happy is he to whom his 
first beloved presents her hand at once, whose 
fondest desire does not languish secretly in his 
bosom. Yes, I see it in his looks, his destiny 
has been decided. True desire ripens the youth 



5^ 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



at once into the man. He is not fickle and I 
greatly tear that if you deny him this request his 
fairest years will pass off into a sorrowful life." 

Then at once, yet considerately spoke up the 
apothecary, whose words had long been ready to 
spring from his lips: "Let us also on this occas- 
ion keep only upon the middle path. 'Make haste 
slowly.' This was the motto of Caesar Augustus 
himself. Willingly do I offer myself to be of ser- 
vice to an esteemed neighbor and to use my lim- 
ited judgment to your advantage. And particu- 
larly does the youth need the advice of some one 
at this important juncture. Let me go out there 
and I will prove the maiden. I shall question the 
community in which she lives and is well known. 
No one can deceive me easily. I know well how 
to guard my words." 

Then immediately answered the son with wing- 
ed words, ' £ Do it neighbor, go and inform your- 
self about the matter. But I do wish that our 
worthy pastor would consent to accompany you. 
The testimony of two such excellent men would 
be unobjectionable. Oh, my father, this girl is 
not a vagabond. She is not one who wanders 
about the country as an adventuress to ensnare 
the youth, the inexperienced ones, with machina- 
tions. No, the wild fate of ever ruinous war which 
has destroyed the world and has already leveled 
to the ground many a firm edifice has also exiled; 



THE COSMOPOLITAN . 53 

this poor girl. Are not reputable men of higher 
birth now roaming about in wretchedness ? Princ- 
es are fleeing in disguise and kings are living as 
outlaws. Ah! so has she, the best of her sex, been 
expelled from her country. Forgetful of her own 
misfortune she is intent upon assisting others; 
though without help, she is herself helpful. Great 
are the misery and destitution which spread them- 
selves over the earth, but should there not one 
fortunate event issue from all this misfortune, and 
should I not, in the arms of my bride, of my trust- 
worthy wife, rejoice in the war just as you did in 
the fire in by gone years ? 

Then the father at last opened his mouth and 
answered significantly: "How is it, my son, that 
your tongue is loosened now, 'which for many years 
has remained fixed in your mouth, and has only 
moved as necessity required? Must I to-day ex- 
perience what is threatened to every father, name- 
ly, that the mother, of choice and too indulgently, 
favors the whims of the son however impetuous 
they may be, and that each neighbor takes part 
against him, when all are down upon him, as fath- 
er or as husband? But I shall not oppose you all 
combined. What good would it do? For I bee 
in this case, in advance, defiance and tears. Go 
and prove her, and if she be found worthy, in 
God's name, bring her into my house as a daugh- 
ter. But if she is not as she represents herself, 



54 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



let the girl be forgotteu." 

Thus the father spoke, and the son cried with 
joyous gesticulation, "Yet before evening there 
shall be bestowed upon you an excellent daughter, 
just such an one as a man deserves in whose breast 
just sentiments predominate. And the good 
maiden also will be happy, that I dare to hope. 
Yes, she will ever after this thank me that I have 
again given her in you, a father and a mother 
such as sensible children should desire. But I 
can delay no longer. I shall immediately harness 
the horses and drive these friends out there, ihat 
thev may trace out the loved one. Then I shall 
leave the men to themselves and to their own 
judgment, and I now swear to you that I shall 
abide by their decision and never again see the 
girl unless assured that she is to be mine." And 
so he went out; but meanwhile the others wisely- 
pondered over many things and as thoroughly as 
possible discussed the important affair. Hermann 
hastened immediately to the stable where the 
high-mettled horses were quietly standing and rap- 
idly consuming the well cleaned oats and the dry 
hay which had been cut upon the best of the 
meadow. Hastily he placed upon them the bri 
dies with their brightly shining bits, quickly drew 
the throat latches through the beautifully silvered 
buckles, then fastened the long heavy reins and 
led the horses out into the court where the help- 



THE COSMOPOLITAN 



55 



fill boy had already pushed out the coach, easily 
guiding it by the tongue. Then, with well adjust- 
ed traces, they attached the swift moving horses 
to the whiffletrees and Hermann, siezing the whip, 
vaulted into the box and drove out into the gate- 
way. Immediately his friends took possession of 
the roomy seats and the carriage rolled rapidly 
away, leaving behind the pavements, the city walls 
and brightly shining towers. Thus Hermann 
drove out there to the well known turnpike. He 
loitered not but dashed along up hill as well as 
down hill. But when the tower of the village 
came into view and but a little further on the 
houses, each surrounded by its garden, began to 
show themselves, he decided within himself to 
check his speed. 

Protected by the grateful shade of lotty lin- 
den trees which for a century had rooted them- 
selves in this spot, was a wide green-sward covered 
common in front of the village, a pleasure resort 
for the peasantry and the burghers of the adjacent 
city. Under the trees in a shallow basin was a 
copious spring of sparkling water. When one de- 
scended into the basin he discovered stone bench- 
es placed round about the fountain which ever 
gushed up in a pure living stream and was re- 
strained by a low wall convenient for dipping. 
Hermann determined to keep the horses and car- 
riage here in this shady spot, and in order to do 



5 6 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



so he addressed his companions in these words: 
" Alight now, my friends, and proceed further on 
foot that you may have an opportunity of finding 
out whether the maiden is worthy of the hand 
which I shall offer to her. I certainly believe so 
and in reporting the matter favorably to me you 
shall tell me nothing new nor surprising. If I 
had my own free will I should go at once to the 
village and there in a few words let the good one 
herself decide my destiny. You will easily distin- 
guish her from all others for it would be difficult 
to find one comparable to her in form. But I shall 
give you in addition the peculiarities of her tasty 
apparel by which you can certainly recognize her. 
A red stomacher, beautifully plaited, sustains her 
arched bosom and the black bodice fits closely to 
her person. She has the hem ot her waist tidily 
folded into a frill which surrounds her well round- 
ed chin with beauteous grace. The expression of 
her countenance is suggestive of cheerfulness and 
sincerity. The luxuriant braids of her hair are 
folded many times about the silver hair pins. Un- 
der the stomacher is fastened the skirt, many 
plaited and of blue material, and this in walking 
falls gracefully about her well turned ankles. And 
further I shall say this to you and make this re- 
quest as an especial favor: namely, that you do 
not yourselves speak with the girl and do not di- 
vulge to her the object of your visit, but question 



THE COSMOPOLITAN 



others and hear all they have to say. When you 
have information sufficient to satisfy mv father and 
mother, then return to me and we shall further 
consider the matter. This was my conclusion up- 
on the way as I was driving you here.'' 

Thus he spoke, and then his friends went on to 
the village where in gardens and barns and houses 
swarmed a crowd of human beings. Vehicle afte r 
vehicle stood along the broad street. Men were 
taking care of the bellowing cattle and of the 
horses attached to the wagons. Women were in- 
dustriously drying their washings upon all the 
hedges, and children were entertaining themselves 
by paddling in the water of the brook. Then press- 
ing themselves among the wagons, among the peo- 
ple and the beasts, the deputed spies looked about, 
right and left, to see whether they could espy the 
the image of the designated girl. Yet not one in 
the whole throng appeared to be the splendid 
maiden. But they soon found the press becoming 
greater. For around the wagons there originated 
a contention amongst the threatening men in 
which the women, with shrieks, intermingled. 
Then with stately strides an old man hastily ap- 
proached He stepped up to those engaged in the 
quarrel and at once the tumult was allayed. When 
he had enjoined silence and remonstrated with 
them paternally and seriously he added: ''Has 
not misfortune yet so subdued us that we can un- 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



derstand how to exercise toleration amongst our- 
selves, even if some one has not properly meas- 
ured his actions? The fortunate man is certainly 
intolerant. Will suffering not at length teach you 
not again, as formerly, to wrangle with a brother ? 
Let each one yield to another a place upon this 
foreign soil , and let all share what they have to- 
gether that they may merit compassion." Thus 
spoke the man and all became silent. Peaceably 
the again mollified people arranged the cattle and 
the vehicles. 

When the pastor had heard this discourse and 
discovered the peaceful disposition of this foreign 
judge he stepped up to him and addressed him 
in these considerate words: "Father, in truth, 
when a people lives along in fortunate times, 
sustaining themselves from the products of the 
earth which yields its abundance far and wide and 
renews its wished for gifts each month and year, 
then all goes smoothly on, and each one considers 
himself the wisest and the best and they all live 
on equal terms with each other, and the most sen- 
sible man is thought to be no better than the oth- 
er. For whatever occurs runs its accustomed 
course quietly as of itself. But when war de- 
ranges the established methods of life, when it 
tears down the abode and roots out the harvest 
and the garden, when it drives the man and the 
wife from the comforts ot their cosy dwelling and 



THE COSMOPOLITAN 



59 



drags them forth into wanderings and distress 
through anxious days and weary nights, ah, then 
one looks around to discover who is the intelligent 
man, and he speaks not again in vain his words of 
admonition. Tell me, father, are you in reality 
the judge of these fleeing men, the tempers of 
whom you so quickly calm down ? Yes, you have 
appeared to me this day as one of those old lead- 
ers who conducted that dispersed nation through 
deserts and wanderings. I imagine myself even 
now to be speaking with a Joshua or with a Moses. 

And thereupon, with serious mein, answered the 
judge, "Truly our time is comparable with the 
most extraordinary times which history, sacred or 
profane, records; for whoever has lived yesterday 
and to-day in these eventful times has already liv- 
ed for years, for thus events crowd upon each 
other. When I look backwards a little it seems 
to me that a grey old age is heaped upon my head, 
and yet my strength is at its best. Oh! we may 
well be permitted to compare ourselves to those 
to whom God, the Lord, appeared in the solemn 
hour at the burning bush. To us also He has ap- 
peared as if in the clouds and lightnings." 

Since now the pastor was inclined to speak still 
further upon this subject and was desirous of hear- 
ing the fortunes of the man and of his flock, his 
companion, the apothecary, hastily said to him in 
a whisper, in his ear, "Continue in conversation 



6o 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



with the judge and, if possible, broach the subject 
of the maiden; whilst I go round about seeking for 
her, and as soon as I shall find her, I shall return." 
The pastor nodded his assent and then through 
hedges and gardens and barns the faithful spy 
continued his search. 



VI. 



The Era 

Translator's NoTt]. — To a complete comprehension ol 
the Judge's speeches contained in the fifth and sixih chapters, 
and, in f act, of all the historical allusions of the poem, tut? fol - 
lowing facts, or apparent facts, gleaned from various sources, 
are deemed essential : 

At the time of the French revolution, about the year 1792, a 
small colony of Germans were peacefully living on the west 
side of the Khine and in close proximity to the French frontier. 
These people, like their neighbors, had become strongly imbu- 
ed with the sentiments of the revolutionists, andthought and 
spoke much of the freedom and equality of mankind. When, 
at length war broke out between Germany and France, and 
they had been easily overpowered by a detachment of French 
troops which had been sent amongst them, these colonists wei 
corned the soldiers as brethren, and were well pleased to be res- 
cued from the restraints imposed upon them by the Germans, 
and to be permitted to enjoy the privileges promised them by 
their conquer ors. 

These latter, however, soon became haughty and extortion- 
ate and their officers abused their prerogatives, and preyed 
without mercy and without restraint upon their newly made 
subjects. But in a short time the fortunes of war changed; 
the Germans became victors and the French were compelled 
to retreat. Upon the eve of their departure from the colony 
the vanquished French troops became most maliciously cruel 
and brutal, committing ihe most atrocious crimes, and heaping 
unheard of indignities upon these defenceless people. This 
treatment the colonists bitterly resented and lor a time a con- 
dition of horrid intestine strife existed in this region which be- 
fore ha<l been the most peaceful and prosperous of all the Ger- 
man provinces 

This condition of affairs could not have lasted long. The 
German forces no doubt held sway for a time but ere long the 
French again obtained the ascendency and the German army 
was forced to retreat across the Rhine Ihis left the colonists 
unprotected and they were obliged to leave their homes and at 
once flee for their lives to escape the dreadful vengeance which 
was sure to await them from their persecutors. 



When now the reverend gentleman questioned 



62 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



the foreign judge as to what the community had 
suffered and as to how long since they had been 
expelled from their homes, the latter replied: il Our 
sufferings have not been of short duration, for we 
have drunk the bitter draught of all those years, 
the more dreadful because our most lively an- 
ticipations of prosperity have been annihilated. 
For who will indeed deny that his heart was elat- 
ed and that purer pulsations throbbed within his 
free bosom when the first lustre of the newly arisen 
sun of liberty appeared, when one heard of the 
rights of mankind which are common to the race, 
of inspiring freedom and of honorable equality ? 
Then each one hoped to live without being de- 
spoiled of his means. The fetters by which many 
nations had been kept in thraldom seemed now 
to be stricken off, those fetters which had hither- 
to been kept in place by idleness and selfishness. 
In those distressful times did not all the nations 
look to that city which had so long been consider- 
ed the capital of the world and now more than ev- 
er deserved that magnificent title ? And were not 
the names of those men, those first heralds of the 
good news equal to the highest names which had 
ever been emblazoned upon the heavens ? And 
did not there spring up within each Frenchman, 
courage and life and speech ? And even in us as 
neighbors such sentiments were engendered and 
such enthusiasm enkindled. But at length war broke 



THE ERA 



63 



out and trains of armed Frenchmen approached, 
but they appeared to bring with them nought but 
friendship, and they actually brought nothing be- 
sides for their every soul was exalted. With avid- 
ity they planted the sprightly trees of freedom, 
promising to each one the products of his toil, and 
to each one a voice in the government. Then 
highly did youth rejoice and old age rejoiced and 
the cheerful dance around the new standard was 
inaugurated. Thus those over-ruling French soon 
won first the admiration of the men by their ac- 
tive, fiery enterprise, and then the hearts of the 
women by their irresistible grace. Light to us 
appeared even the burden of the much exacting 
war, for hope hovered around the distant prospect 
and enticed the glance outward into newly opened 
paths. Oh, how joyous is the time when the youth- 
ful lover with his betrothed one whirls about in the 
mazy dance awaiting the time of the wished for 
union, but far more glorious was the time when 
to us the highest which a man can think of acquir- 
ing for himself showed itself as near and within 
easy grasp. Then each one's tongue was loosen- 
ed. Loud spoke the grey haired sires, the active 
men and the striplings, filled with lofty thoughts 
and noble emotions. 

But soon the heavens became draped in clouds. 
A degenerate race, worthless in producing good, 
began to contend for the emoluments of the gov- 



64 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



ernment. They slaughtered each other and op- 
pressed their newly made brethren and neighbors, 
and they sent in to us a greedy horde. In our 
midst the higher officers caroused and robbed by 
wholesale and their subordinates, even down to 
the most insignificant, caroused and robbed. 
Each official seemed to have but one source of 
anxiety and that was lest something might elude 
his extortion and remain till to-morrow in the 
hands of its rightful owner. Too great was the 
exigency and the oppression increased day by 
day. No one heeded the cry of the downtrodden, 
The oppressors were the lords of the day. Then, 
among us, even the most tranquil mind was over- 
come by sorrow and anger. Each one became 
thoughtful and swore to avenge all the injuries 
and the bitter disappointment of doubly deceived 
hopes. 

Just at this time fortune shifted to the side of 
the Germans and the French fell back by hasry 
marches. Ah, then we felt for the first time the 
sad fate of war, for the victor is great and good, 
at least he seems to be so, and he spares the van- 
quished as though they were of his own kindred, 
especially if they are daily useful to him and serve 
him with their possessions But the departing 
fugitive recognizes no law; he only cares to ward 
off death, and he consumes without consideration 
or reflection the goods which have come into his 



THE ERA 



6S 



possession. Then his soul is set on fire and de- 
spair begets in his heart malicious undertakings. 
No longer is anything sacred to him. He becomes 
an extortioner. His brutal passion assails even 
woman and changes desire into an abomination. 
He sees death on every hand and horrible are the 
enjoyments of his last moments. He revels in 
blood and delights in wailing lamentations. 

Ferocious rage was now enkindled within the 
bosoms of our men and a desire to seek revenge 
for that which was lost and to defend that which 
remained. All now siezed their weapons, urged 
on by the haste of the fugitives, by their blanched 
visages and by their startled, unsteady looks. Un- 
ceasingly now resounded the alarm tocsin, and dan- 
ger of future events served not to restrain our en- 
kindled resentment. Quickly the peaceful imple- 
ments of husbandry were converted into weapons of 
aggression and defense. Then streamed the 
blood from pitchfork and scythe. Without favor 
and without exemption fell on all sides the foe. 
Everywhere furious rage as well as paltry coward- 
ice made itself felt. I desire never again to see 
men in such vile commotion. The ferocious beast 
is a more comfortable sight. Let no one ever 
speak of freedom in the sense that each one can 
govern himself. As soon as the restraints are re- 
moved all the wickedness which the law has kept 
back deep as in a corner seems to be let loose.'' 



66 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



''Excellent man," answered the pastor with en- 
ergy. "I can find no fault with you if you do 
misdeem mankind. You have certainly endured 
sufficient evil from those disorderly proceedings. 
But if you should look back through those gloomy 
days and should examine them closely you your- 
self would acknowledge that you have often wit- 
nessed good deeds also, that many worthy traits 
have been brought out by danger which would 
otherwise have lain dormant in the heart, and that 
often necessity compels a man to show himself as 
an angel and to appear as a guardian to others." 

The worthy old judge with a smile replied: lt You 
remind me wisely, just as people will frequently 
remind the perplexed owner of of gold and silver 
which lies melted in the rubbish that remains 
scattered about after a conflagration. Little it 
may be truly, yet thai little is precious, and the 
impoverished one seeks for it and rejoices in the 
discovery. And thus I turn my cheerful thoughts 
willingly to those few good deeds which memory 
has preserved. Yes, I will not deny but that 1 
have seen enemies reconciled in order to save the 
city from evil, and I have seen the love of friends 
and of parents and of children prompt one to do 
impossible deeds. I have seen how the stripling 
all at once became a man and how the aged man 
renewed his youthful days and how the child sud- 
denly developed into the youth. Yes, and the weak- 



THE ERA 



67 



er sex, as it is commonly styled, showed itself 
brave and powerful and possessed of great pres- 
ence of mind And so first of all permit me to 
relate the courageous act of a magnanimous maid- 
en, an excellent young woman, in our community 
who had been left behind with some girls on one 
of the great manorial estates when the men had 
all gone to meet the invaders. All at once a band 
of straggling marauders attacked the court with 
an eye to plunder and suddenly forced an entrance 
to the room occupied by those females. There 
they beheld as a group the well matured young 
woman and the lovely girls, scarcely to be regard- 
ed other than as children. Then an uncontrola- 
ble passion took possession of the ruffians. They 
ruthlessly attacked the trembling group and the 
maiden of lofty spirit. But she suddenly snatched 
j-he sabre from the side of one of the brutes and 
struck him powerfully down, so that he fell bleed- 
ing at her feet. Then with masculine strokes she 
rescued the girls by striking down four more of 
the plunderers, yet these escaped certain death 
by sudden retreat. Then she bolted the doors and, 
well armed, awaited help." 

When the minister had- heard this report con- 
cerning a certain girl a sudden hope in regard to 
his young friend sprung up in his mind, and he 
was about to ask whither she had gone and wheth- 
er she was now in this sorrowful flight along with 



68 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



her people. 

But just at this moment the apothecary, ail in a 
tremor of excitement, stepped up, plucked the arm 
of the minister and said in whispers, "I have cer- 
tainly at last found the girl, traced her from the 
description and sought her out among the many 
hundreds who are here. So come and see her 
with your own eyes, and bring the judge with you 
that we may hear something more about her.'' 
And they turned away. But at this moment the 
judge was called by his own people who desired 
him, being in need of his advice. Then at once 
the pastor followed the apothecary to a gap in 
the hedge and the latter pointed slyly in: "Do 
•you see that girl ? " he said. "She has swaddled 
the babe as you see and I recognize plainly the 
old cotton and the blue pillow cases which Her- 
mann brought to her in the bundles. She must 
have promptly and judiciously distributed the 
gifts with which she was entrusted. We have cer- 
tainly seen enough to identify her. And her ap- 
parel, too, exactly corresponds with Hermann's 
description, for see, a red stomacher beautifully 
plaited supports the arched bosom and the black 
bodice fits closely to the person. She has the 
hem of her waist tidily folded into a frill which 
with beauteous grace surrounds her well rounded 
chin. The expression of her countenance is sug- 
gestive of cheerfulness and sincerity, The luxuri- 



THE ERA 69 

ant braids of her hair are folded many times about 
the silvery hair pins, and although she is now sit- 
ting we can easily see that her size and form are 
befitting to the description and that the blue skirt 
which flows down amply plaited from her waist 
would encircle her well turned ankles. Without 
a doubt it is she. Then come along that we may 
see whether she is good and virtuous and a thrifty 
maiden. " 

Then answered the pastor, scrutinizing the girl 
as she was sitting there, "I am certainly not sur- 
prised that she has fascinated the young man for 
her looks satisfy the inspection of a person of ma- 
ture experience. Happy the person to whom 
mother nature has given a goodly countenance, 
for this is a recommendation for him and with it 
he is nowhere a stranger. Each one approaches 
him with pleasure and each is desirous of remain- 
ing in his company if only his courteousness cor- 
responds with his looks. I assure you that there 
has been a maiden found for this young man who 
will gladden exceedingly the future days of his 
life and who will assist him in all the vicissitudes 
of fortune with true womanly devotion. So com- 
plete a body is most certainly the abode of an un- 
dented soul, and a vigorous youth promises a hap- 
py old age." 

Thereupon the apothecary said thoughtfully, 
"Yet appearances are often deceptive. I am not 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



willing to trust entirely to the exterior, for I have 
so often tested the old proverb: 'You dare not im- 
plicitly trust a new acquaintance till you have eat- 
en a bushel of salt with him.' Time alone makes 
it perfectly certain how you stand with him and 
how his friendship will endure. Let us then first 
of all occupy ourselves with these good people to 
whom the girl is Known and who will relate to us 
what they know about her." 

"I also favor caution," replied the pastor, in 
turn. "We are not wooing for ourselves and woo- 
ing for another requires circumspection. There- 
upon they started to meet the gallant judge who 
in the prosecution of his business was again com- 
ing up the street. And the wise pastor accosted 
him with, "Say, we have seen a girl who is sitting 
here in this next garden under an apple tree and 
who is making children's clothing out of cast off 
cotton which has presumably been donated to her. 
Her figure has impressed us exceedingly for she 
appears, to be one of the most vigorous and chaste 
of her sex. Tell us what you know of her. Our 
inquiries are prompted by none but the purest 
motives. " 

As the judge immediately stepped up to the gar- 
den and looked in, he said: "You know this per 
son already, for w 7 hen I spoke to you of the hero- 
ic deed which a young woman accomplished when 
she siezed the sword and bravely defended her- 



THE ERA 



71 



self and those who were with her, it was this 
maiden to whom I referred. She has been vigor- 
ous from her birth, you can see that by her looks, 
but she is just as good as she is strong, for she 
tenderly cared for an aged relative till his death, 
which the grief caused by the distress of his vil- 
lage and by the danger to his estates served to 
hasten; and she also bore with quiet resignation 
the agony caused by the death of her betrothed, a 
noble youth, who in the first ardor of his lofty 
purpose of striving for noble freedom went away 
to Paris and there soon met with a frightful end; 
for as at home, so also there, he was continually 
combatting caprice and intrigue. Thus the judge 
spoke, and as they were about to take leave of each 
other, the minister drew out a gold piece (the silver 
in his purse had been generously distributed sev- 
eral hours before as he had been witnessing the 
passage of the refugees in sorrowful troops) and 
reached it to the judge saying, "Distribute the 
pennies amongst the needy, and may God in- 
crease the gift." Yet the man refused and said, 
"We have many a dollar laid by and much cloth- 
ing and things of all kinds and I sincerely hope 
that before this is all consumed we shall have 
been permitted to return home." 

Then answered the pastor as he pressed the 
piece into the other's hand, "Let no man neglect 
to give in these days, and let no man refuse to ac- 



72 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



cept what generosity offers to bestow upon him. 
No man knows how long he may enjoy that which 
he now quietly possesses and no man knows how 
soon he may be wandering about in foreign lands 
deprived of the farm and the garden which now 
supports him." 

•'Heigh there," said the apothecary, with a bus- 
tling air. "If only there were any money in my 
pocket you should have it, much or little, for cer- 
tainly many of your people have much need of it, 
and as it is you shall not go entirely unendowed, 
so that you may percieve my will although indeed 
the deed falls far short of the will. " As he spoke 
he drew forth by the strings the embroidered 
leathern purse in which his tobacco was kept, op- 
ened it daintily and portioned out the contents. 
There were in all but a few pipefulls. "The gift 
is small," he added. But the judge said, "Good 
tobacco is always an acceptable gift to the trav- 
eler " Thereupon the apothecary praised the 
canister tobacco. But the pastor drew him away 
and they took their leave of the judge. 

"Let us hasten," said the excellent man. "The 
youth is anxiously awaiting us. Let him hear as 
quickly as possible the joyful tidings; " and com 
ing up in haste they found the young man leaning 
against the carriage under the linden trees. The 
horses were stamping lustily on the sward while 
he, holding them with the reins, was rapt in med- 



THE ERA 



73 



itation. He was looking pensively off into the 
distance and did not notice his friends till they, 
approaching, called out to him and began to give 
him joyful tokens of success. The apothecary 
could scarcely restrain himself but began to speak 
while yet at a distance, but they soon came up to 
the young man. Then the pastor grasped him by 
the hand and, interrupting the congratulatory ex- 
clamations of his companion, said, "Hail to you 
young man! Your true eye, your true heart has 
chosen aright. Much happiness to you and to the 
wife of your youth. She is worthy of you. There- 
fore come, turn the carriage, that we may drive at 
once to the outskirts of the village where she is, 
and you can woo her and soon bring her home 
with you." 

But the youth remained motionless and, without 
any indications of joy, listened to those words of 
the messenger, grateful and consoling though they 
were. Then, heaving a deep sigh, he said: "We 
came out here at a rapid gait, but we shall very 
likely go home slowly and abashed. For while I 
have been waiting here care and suspicion and 
doubt and everything that can afflict a loving heart 
has been oppressing me. Do you suppose that 
when we do approach the girl she will follow 
us simply because we are rich, while she is travel- 
ing along, outcast and poor? Poverty even imbues 
with pride those who are undeserving. This maid- 



74 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



en appears frugal and active, hence the world is at 
her feet. Do you think a woman of such beauty 
and such accomplishments could grow up and 
never attract the attention of the respectable 
young men by whom she has been surrounded ? 
Do you suppose that her heart has been sealed to 
love up to this time? Be not in too great haste 
to drive up there. We had best even consider 
ourselves discomfitted and quietly turn the horses 
towards home. I fear that some young fellow or 
otber possesses her heart and that her precious 
hand has been given and that her troth has been 
plighted to some fortunate lover. Ah, in such a 
case how abashed should I stand before her with 
my proposal." The pastor was just about opening 
his mouth in order to restore confidence and cour- 
age when his companion commenced in his gar- 
rulous way : 

''Indeed in former times we were perplexed with 
no such difficulties. Then each business affair 
was transacted in its own peculiar way. If the 
parents had decided upon a bride for their son, as 
the first step in the business a friend of the house 
was confidentially summoned. This person was 
then sent as a matchmaker to the parents of the 
selected bride. Of a Sunday afternoon, arrayed 
in his most stately attire, he would visit the worthy 
burgher. At first an exchange of friendly words 
on common place topics would take place, the 
visitor knowing well how to conduct the coversa- 



THE ERA 



75 



tion into the desired channel. At last, after long 
digressions, he would make flattering mention of 
the daughter and of the man and of the family by 
whom he had been sent. If the people were 
shrewd they would soon discern the purpose of 
the visit, and if the envoy was shrewd he would 
soon ascertain whether such a proposal would be 
agreeable and would know how to express himself 
more explicitly. If the proposal was rejected the 
mitten would not, according to this arrangement, 
be a cause for any embarrasment, but if, on the oth- 
er hand, the affair succeeded, then the matchmaker 
was always the most favored guest in the house of 
the young couple at every festivity, for the pair 
remembered throughout their whole lives the skill- 
ful hand which had at first entwined the knot. But 
now all this, along with other good usages, has 
gone out of style. Now each one wooes for him - 
self. Now each one must take with his own hands 
the mitten which may possibly be given to him, 
and must in that case stand in embarrasment be- 
fore the maiden. " 

"Be that as it may," answered the youth who 
had scarcely heard all these words and who had 
silently come to a decision. U I myself shall go 
and shall for myself learn my destiny from the 
girl's own lips, for I have as much confidence in 
her as any man has eyer had in a woman. What 
she says is right, is reasonable, that I know. Even 



7 6 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



though it be for the last time, yet shall I meet once 
more the glance of her dark eye! If I am never 
to press her to my heart yet shall I behold once 
more that breast and that waist which my arm so 
much desires to enfold. I shall once more behold 
that mouth of which one kiss and the 'yes' shall 
give me an eternity of bliss, or the 'no' shall for- 
ever undo me. But leave me. You are not 
to wait for me. Betake yourselves at once to my 
father and mother so that they may be informed 
that their son was not mistaken and that the maid- 
en is worthy of him. And so leave me alone. I 
shall take the footpath over the hill up to the pear 
tree and thence down through our vineyard which 
is the shortest way home. Oh, that I may joyous- 
ly and speedily bring with me the trusted one. 
But perhaps T shall sneak along that path towards 
my home alone and shall never again in happi- 
ness pursue its course." 

Thus he spoke and handed over the lines to his 
ministerial friend who grasped them knowingly, 
and, governing the champing steeds, nimbly 
mounted the carriage and took possession of the 
driver's seat. But you, cautious neighbor, you 
hesitate and you say: "Willingly, my friend, do I 
entrust to you soul and spirit and mind, but body 
and limbs are not protected to the best advantage 
when the spiritual hand lays hold of the temporal 
reins. '' 



THE ERA 



77 



Yet at this you smile, sensible pastor, and you 
say: "Just take your seat and do not worry, but 
entrust to me your body just as you do your soul, 
for my hand has for a long time been skilled in 
holding the reins and my eye has been trained so 
as to make with safety the most skillful turnings. 
For whilst in Strausburg we were accustomed to 
driving when I was the attendant of the young 
baron there. Daily the coach, driven by myself, 
rolled through the echoing archway out along the 
dusty highway as far as the meadows and the lin- 
dens, through the crowds of people who spent the 
day in pleasure walking." Thereupon, half assur- 
ed, the neighbor climbed into the carriage and 
sat there like one who is prepared for a leap in 
case of emergency. Then the horses, anxious for 
their quiet stalls, made the best of their way home- 
ward, while the dust swelled up in clouds from 
their lusty hoofs. 

But the youth stood there long and looked at 

the dust as it arose, and looked at the dust as it 
was slowly dissipated; thus he stood lost in med- 
itation. 



VIT. 



As the traveler who, just before the setting of 
the sun, takes one steady look at its rapidly van- 
ishing orb, afterwards sees its image swaying over 
the dark thicket and on the surface of the cliffs 
and wherever he turns his gaze, hasting away be- 
fore him and glittering and dancing in its resplen- 
dent tints, so Hermann seemed to see the lovely 
image of the maiden continually presenting itself 
before him and following the pathway that led 
through the grainfield. But arousing himself from 
this self forgetful dream he turned slowly towards 
the village. Then he stopped again and gazed 
in astonishment, for he saw the noble form 
of the maiden herself approaching him. He look- 
ed upon her steadfastly. It was no phantom; it 
was she herself. She was carrying in each hand 
a jug, a larger and a smaller one, and thus she 
was going industriously to the spring. He hasten- 
ed forward joyfully to meet her. Her look gave 
him courage and strength and thus he spoke to 
her as she stood surprised before him: "Do I find 



DOROTHEA 



79 



you again, brave girl, and so soon busily engaged in 
making yourself helpful to others and willingly un- 
dergoing hardship in order to refresh your fellow 
creatures ? Say, why do you alone of all your 
company come out here to this fountain which is 
so far off while others content themselves with the 
water found at the village ? This water is in fact 
of peculiar virtue and is excellent to the taste. Do 
you wish to get some for that sick woman whom 
you were so instrumental in rescuing ? " 

The good maiden greeted the youth in the 
most friendly manner and said: "My visit to this 
well is thus already rewarded since 1 find here the 
kind one who presented us so many things, for the 
appearance of the giver is like the gifts, very grat- 
ifying. But come and see those who are enjoying 
your generosity and receive the quiet thanks of 
those who have been refreshed by it. But that 
you may at once understand why I come to fill 
these jugs here where the fountain flows so pure 
and uninterruptedly I will say that our improvi- 
dent people have polluted the water in the village 
by allowing the horses and oxen to wade through 
the springs which supply the inhabitants. And 
in like manner by their washing and cleansing 
they have soiled all the watering troughs and de- 
filed all the wells. For each one thinks only of 
satisfying quickly his own wants and those of the 
persons most nearly connected with him, and takes 



8o 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



no thought of those who are to follow. While she 
was thus speaking she, with her companion, had 
descended the broad steps and had seated them- 
selves upon the low wall which encompassed the 
spring. She bent forward to fill her jug and he, 
grasping the other jug. likewise bent forward and 
thus they beheld their images mirrored upon the 
blue vault of the heavens beneath, and swaying in 
that pellucid reflector and bowing to each other 
and greeting each other with charming grace. "Let 
me taste the water/' at length said the genial 
youth, and so she reached him her jug, and they 
sat there restfully leaning against the vessels. At 
last she broke the silence by saying: "Say, why do 
I find you here without carriage or horses and so 
far from the place where I first saw you ? How is 
it that you have come ? " 

Thoughtfully he gazed upon the ground for a 
moment, then he raised his eyes to hers and look- 
ing her steadily and kindly in the face he felt him- 
self quieted and composed. Yet it was impossi- 
ble for him then to speak of love. Her eye indi- 
cated only bright intelligence which demanded 
rational replies. And so, quickly collecting him- 
self, he said trustingly to the maiden, "It was for 
your sake that I came here. Why should I try to 
conceal it ? I live happily with my loving par- 
ents, for whom T help to manage faithfully the 
house and the estates as their only son, and our 



DOROTHEA 



Si 



business is varied. I attend to the husbandry. 
My father industriously fulfills the part of host in 
the public house which we conduct, whilst upon my 
active mother devolve many of the cares and anx- 
ieties of this diversified household. You have cer- 
tainly experienced how greatly the lower classes 
of domestics, partly by frivolity and partly by 
faithlessness, annoy and distress a housewife, mak- 
ing it necessary for her to be continually changing 
servants and to be exchanging one set of faults 
for another. My mother has therefore for a long 
time wished to have a young woman in the house 
who could not only assist her with her hands but 
who should take the place in her maternal heart 
of a daughter who, alas, has long since passed 
away. Now, as I to-day saw you at the wagon in 
joyous activity, and noticed the strength of your 
arms and your perfect bodily health, and as I 
heard your words, full of intelligence and thought- 
fulness, I was favorably impressed by your appear- 
ance and I hastened homeward praising the for- 
eign young lady to my parents and friends accord- 
ing to her deserts. And now I come here to tell 
you what is their wish as well as my own. But 
pray pardon my stammering speech." 

Thereupon she said, "Do not hesitate to speak 
further. You do not offend me. I have received 
it thankfully. Speak out fully all you have to say. 
Your words cannot shock me. You should like to 



82 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



employ me as a maid for your father and mother, 
to oversee the house which you have kept in good 
condition and you think to find in me a compe- 
tent girl, skillful at work and not rude in behavior. 
Your proposition was brief, so shall my answer al- 
so be brief. Yes, I shall go with you and obey the 
summons of destiny. My duty here has been per- 
formed. I have restored the afflicted woman to 
her own people again. They are all rejoiced at 
her rescue. Already most of them have assem- 
bled and the others will doubtless soon make their 
appearance. They all suppose that they shall 
be enabled within a short time to return to their 
homes, and with this notion all these refugees are 
accustomed to flatter themselves. But in these 
sorrowful days which promise us still more troub- 
lous times I shall not delude myself with illusive 
hopes, for the bonds which have united the na- 
tions are being rent asunder, and what can again 
unite them except the extreme distress which now 
seems imminent to us all. If I can support myself 
by serving in the house of some worthy man, un- 
der the eye of his excellent wife, I shall willingly 
do so, for a roaming girl is ever of a precarious 
reputation. Yes, I will go with you just as soon 
as I have taken the jugs back to my friends and 
obtained their benediction. Come, you must see 
them, and receive me from them." Joyfully did the 
youth hear the decision of the consenting maiden 



DOROTHEA 



S3 



but he was doubtful whether he ought to now con- 
fess the whole truth to her or not; but upon the 
whole it appeared to him best to allow 
her to cherish this idea for the present, to take 
her with him to his home and afterward to woo 
her and thus obtain her love. Ah! and just then 
he espied a golden ring upon her finger, and so he 
did not interrupt her but let her speak on and lis- 
tened attentively to her words. "Let us," she con- 
tinued, "at once return. The girl who dallies at 
the well is always reproached, and yet it is so pleas- 
ant to gossip here by this gurgling fountain." And 
so they arose, and both took one more look back 
into the spring and a sweet yearning came over 
them. In silence she grasped both jugs by the 
handles and ascended the steps, and Hermann, 
following his loved one, asked for one of the jugs 
in order to share her burden. "Let it alone," she 
said. "The load balanced in this way is easier to 
carry, and, besides, the master who will hereafter 
give me orders shall not now be serving me. Look 
not so seriously upon me, as if my lot was to be 
a trying one. A woman must learn to serve be- 
times in accordance with her destiny, for by serv- 
ing alone can she at last aspire to ruling and to 
that prominence in household affairs which is hers 
by right. The sister early learns to serve her 
brother and she serves her parents, and her life is 
continually spent in going and coming, in lifting 



84 HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 

and carrying, in preparing and doing for others. 
It is well for her if she becomes accustomed to 
this so that no pathway of life shall be too rugged 
for her, so that the hours of the night shall be to 
her as the hours of the day, so that to her the 
work may never seem too unimportant nor the 
needle too fine, so that she may be forgetful of 
self and live only for others; for as a mother she 
may require all these graces when the feeble in- 
fant awakes and requires attention from her, weak 
though she may be, and when cares are thus add- 
ed to pain. Twenty men united could not endure 
these hardships, and they should not, yet they 
should thankfully have some consideration for 
those who do endure them." Thus she spoke 
and with her silent companion had arrived at the 
floor of the barn where the sick woman whom she 
had left with her daughters, those rescued girls, 
the very pictures of innocence, was lying. They 
both entered and at the same time the judge came 
in from the other side leading with either hand a 
child. These had been lost to the distracted 
mother, but the old man had now found them in 
the crowd. They sprang forward with delight to 
greet their dear mother and to rejoice in their lit- 
tle brother, their unknown playfellow. Then they 
sprang upon Dorothea and heartily greeted her, 
and then asked for bread and fruit, and, before all, 
for drink. Then she passed the water around and 



DOROTHEA 



85 



the children drank, and the mother and the daugh- 
ters, and the judge also drank. All were refresh- 
ed and praised the splendid water. It was tartish 
to the taste and exhilarating and healthful as a 
beverage for human beings. 

Then the maiden, with a serious look, spoke up 
and said: "Friends, this is indeed the last meal 
at which I shall bring the jug of water for your 
refreshment. From this time on when a drink re- 
freshes you on a hot day, as you are quietly rest- 
ing in the cooling shade and receiving enjoyment 
from the pure, sparkling fountain, then think of 
me and of the gentle service which I have rendered 
more out of love than for the sake of relationship. 
Whatever of kindness you have shown me I shall 
gratefully remember throughout my future life. 
With the 'greatest reluctance do I part from you, 
yet in these times each one is more of a burden 
than a comfort to those with whom he is associat- 
ed and we must all, sooner or later, be scattered 
in foreign lands in case that a return to our homes 
is denied us. But see, here stands the youth whom 
we are to thank for those presents, the clothing 
for the infant and that most welcome food. He 
has come and has desired to see me at his home 
that 1 may there enter the service of his respecta- 
ble and wealthy parents, and I reject not the offer, 
for everywhere the maiden serves, It would be a 
burden to her to sit at her ease and be waited up- 



86 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



on by others. And so I shall go with him most 
willingly. He seems to be an intelligent young 
man and so doubtless are his parents excellent 
people, as it becomes the wealthy to be. Then, a 
kind adieu to you all, dear friends. May you take 
much comfort in the sprightly infant who already 
gazes upon you in perfect health, and when you 
press him to your breasts in this brightly colored 
wrapper, 0, then, think of this kind youth who pre- 
sented it to us and who is, in future, to clothe and 
to provide for me, your friend. And you, excel- 
lent man,'' she said, addressing the judge, "will 
you accept my heartfelt thanks for having been to 
me as a father in many trying emergencies. And 
thereupon she knelt before the good woman and 
kissed her tear stained cheeks and received her 
whispered blessing. 

But you, worthy judge, are meanwhile saying to 
Hermann, "You are worthy, O friend, to be num- 
bered with those hosts who are considerate enough 
to conduct their housekeeping by the aid of com- 
petent persons. For I have indeed often noticed 
that cattle and horse and sheep are closely in- 
spected in ease of purchase or exchange, but the 
man who takes the proper care of all these, if he 
is competent and worthy, but who by improper 
actions may disperse and destroy them all, he is 
employed by chance or as a matter of luck and 
the overhasty decision is regretted when it is too 



DOROTHEA 



*7 



late to be remedied. But it appears that you well 
understand this matter for you have chosen a girl 
to serve you and your parents in the house who is 
upright. Take good care of" her. As long as she 
takes the management of the housekeeping upon 
herself you shall not feel the loss of a sister nor 
your parents of a daughter." In the meantime 
the female relatives of the sick woman had come 
bringing her many things and announcing that 
more comforsable quarters had been procured for 
her. All heard of the girl's decision and blessed 
Hermann with significant glances and with special 
thanks. Then said one to another, desultorily, 
"If her future master comes finally to be* her hus- 
band then indeed she will be fortunate,'' Then 
Hermann grasped her hand and said, "Let us be 
going for the day is rapidly passing and the city a 
good way off. " Then the women vigorously and 
talkatiyely embraced Dorothea, but Hermann led 
her away, and yet she left many messages for ab- 
sent ones. And then the children, with cries and 
unbearable weeping, clung to her clothing and re- 
fused to let their foster mother go. But one and 
another of the women said coaxingly: "Be quiet, 
children, she is going to the city and she will 
bring you plenty of candy which your little broth- 
er ordered for you as the stork yesterday was car- 
rying him past the confectioners. Shell soon 
come back and bring you beautiful gilt cornets 



88 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



and all kinds of toys.' 7 And so the children re- 
leased her and Hermann, with difficulty, amid the 
distant waving of handkerchiefs, tore her away 
from further embracings. 



vin. 



Swain and Maiden, 

Thus the two started off toward the setting sun 
which was beginning to veil itself deeply in clouds, 
portentous of a storm ? for foreboding illuminations 
were beaming out over the fields, now here, now 
there, from under the misty shroud with dazzling 
glances. "I hope the threatning weather may not 
bring us hail and violent gusts," said Hermann, 
"for the harvest is fine.' 5 And they both rejoiced 
in the waving grain which almost equalled their 
tall forms in height as they were passing along the 
pathway through it. 

At length the maiden said: "Kind friend, whom 
I am to thank above all others for this favorable 
turn of fortune and for roof and shelter while the 
storm is threatning many another refugee, tell me 
now, at the onset, about your parents and teach 
me to know them well. For my most ardent de- 
sire is to serve them in the future intelligently and 
acceptably. And if one is well acquainted with 
the character of the master he can satisfy him 
easier, especially if one is mindful of the things 



go 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



which he deems most important and upon which 
he has fixed his mind and come to an unalterable 
conclusion. Hence, pray tell me now, how shall 
1 win the esteem of your father and mother? " 

To this the kind, intelligent youth responded. 
u O, T grant that you are right, good maiden, 
when you inquire in advance in regard 
to the dispositions of my parents For 
T confess that I have hitherto been unable to sat- 
isfy my father even though I have taken upon my- 
self the entire management of our affairs as if ev- 
erything were my own, and have attended to the 
farm and vineyard early and late. I have indeed 
been able to please my mother and she has known 
how to appreciate my efforts, and you will appear 
to her as an excellent helpmeet if you take care 
of the house just as if you thought it was your own. 
But my father is quite different, for he likes ap- 
pearances as well as service. Good maiden do 
not consider me cold and devoid of feeling be- 
cause I reveal my father thus at once to you, 
a stranger. Yes, I swear it, this is the first time 
that of my own accord such a sentiment has es- 
caped from my tongue, which is not given to gos- 
siping But you enticed from my breast this un 
wonted confidence. My good father wants some 
embellishments in life and likes to have outward 
indications of love as well as of veneration, and he 
would very likely be satisfied with a worse servant 



SWAIN AND MAIDEN 9] 

who knew how to make use of these manifestations, 
and be displeased with a better one who acted 
differently." 

Thereupon she joyously said, while she redoubl- 
ed her steps, thereby increasing their speed along 
the darkening path with easy grace: "Indeed 
I trust that I shall succeed in satisfying both. For 
your mother's disposition seems like my own, and 
to external embellishments T have not been a 
stranger from my youth up. Our neighbors, the 
French, prior to the revolution gave much atten- 
tion to politeness. It was as common to the no- 
bility and the burghers as to the peasantry, and 
each one commended it to all the members of his 
household. And so with us in the German prov- 
inces it was the custom for even children to bring 
their parents each morn their best wishes, accom- 
panied by handkissing and curtesies, and through- 
out the entire day to observe the forms of po- 
lite behavior. All that I have learned and that I 
have been accustomed to from my youth up, and all 
that springs spontaneously from my heart 1 shall 
exercise toward your father. 

But who shall tell me now how I am to act tow- 
ard you, yourself the only son and ray future mas- 
ter?" Thus she spoke, and just then they arrived 
at the pear tree. Magnificently shone the full 
moon down from the heavens. It was now night. 
Entirely hidden was the last glimmer of the sun, 



9 2 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



and so there lay before them in masses, regions of 
light, clear as day, and shadows as of the darkest 
night. And Hermann, there in the shadow of that 
splendid tree, the spot which was so dear to him 
and which earlier in the day had witnessed his 
tears for the exiled one, heard the gracious ques- 
tion, and when they had seated themselves there 
for a little rest the loving youth, grasping the hand 
of the maiden, said: "Let your heart tell you how 
to regard me and follow its dictates alone," and 
he dared to add no further word, however propi- 
tious the moment might be, for he feared that he 
might only hasten the dreaded "no." And, ah, 
he perceived again the ring on her finger, that 
painful token which was ever casting such a 
gloomy shadow over his destiny. And thus they 
sat there in silence beside each other. 

But the maiden broke, the silence by saying, 
"How is it that I find the glorious light of the 
moon so delicious? It is like the brightness of the 
day. I can distinctly see the houses and the courts 
yonder in the city. In yonder gable I notice a 
window and it strikes me that from here I can 
count every pane. " 

"What you see," replied the self-possessed youth 
"is our dwelling down to which I am about to take 
you, and that is the window of my room 
in the attic. That perhaps shall now be 
your room, for we shall very proba- 



SWAIN AND MAIDEN 



93 



bly make some changes in the arrangement of the 
house. These fields are ours, and these splendid 
crops which are ready for harvesting to-morrow. 
Here in the shade of this tree our workmen shall 
rest to-morrow and enjoy their meal. But let us 
now descend through the vineyard and the garden, 
for see, a storm is coming on apace accompanied 
by sheet lightning, and the lovely full moon will 
soon be obscured. 

And so they arose and proceeded down across 
the fields by the pathway through the heavy grain 
enjoying the freshness of the evening. And soon 
they had arrived at the vineyard and entered the 
gloom of its trellis work, and he conducted her 
down across the rude stones which had been plac- 
ed there unhewn and served as steps to the path- 
way. Slowly she stepped down, her hand upon 
his shoulder. And the moon looked down upon 
them with undulating light through the foliage be 
fore she should veil herself in thunder clouds> 
leaving the pair in utter darkness. Carefully the 
sturdy youth supported the maiden as she leaned 
upon him; bu': she, unacquainted with the steep- 
ness of the descent and the roughness of the steps, 
made a false step. Her ankle turned and she was 
about to fall. Quickly the thoughtful youth, with 
dexterity, stretched out his arm and supported 
his loved one. She sank lightly upon his shoul- 
der. Breast sank against breast and cheek against 



94 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



cheek. He stood there motionless as a statue. 
Self restrained he pressed her not closer to him 
but braced himself to sustain the burden. And 
thus he felt the preciousness of the load; felt the 
warmth of her heart and breathed in the balsam 
of her breath; yet he supported with none but the 
purest emotions this young woman whose noble- 
ness of soul prompted her to accept his kind 
offices. 

Yet she, concealing her pain, made use of these 
jesting words: "It foretells a cool reception when, 
just before entering a house one sprains an ankle 
not far from the threshold; so say many observing 
people. I certainly should have wished a more 
propitious omen. Let me tarry here a little while 
that your parents need not reproach you on ac- 
count of a limping maid and that you need not 
appear to be an indifferent host." 



IX. 

The nuEInnk. 

O, muses! you who have so willingly favored 
this tale of love, and have thus far conducted this 
admirable youth upon his way and have brought 
this maiden to his bosom, even before her betroth- 
al, do you now assist in completing the union of 
the loving couple! Disperse at once the clouds 
that hover over their destiny! But tell us first of 
all what is happening in the house. 

For the third time the impatient mother again 
entered the room where the men were talking, 
from which she had thoughtfully retired some 
time before. In her anxiety she would speak at 
one time of the approaching storm and of the 
threatened obscuration of the moon, and at anoth- 
er of her son's prolonged stay and of the dangers 
of the night. And then she would sharply criti- 
cize the friends because they had separated them- 
selver so soon from the youth without having woo- 
ed the maiden for him, or so much as spoken to 
her. 

vt Do not make the matter worse than it really 



96 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



is,'' replied the father ill humoredly. "For do you 
not see that we ourselves are patiently tarrying 
and awaiting the outcome?" 

But without arising, the apothecary tranquilly 
began to speak: ''En such restless hours I shall 
always have my good father to thank for having 
extracted from me as a boy the very roots of all 
impatience so that there remained not even a fi- 
ber, and I, once for ail, learned to wait as none of 
the sages ever did. " "Tell us/' said the pastor, 
"what sleight of hand the old gentleman made use 
of to effect the transformation. " 

"I shall most willingly relate the incident," 
said the apothecary, "and theu each one can draw 
his own conclusions. Once on a Sunday in my 
boyhood I became exceedingly impatient in wait- 
ing for the coach which was to take us out to the 
spring under the lindens., and yet it did not come. 
I kept running hither and thither like a weasel, 
up stairs and down stairs and from window to 
door. My hands prickled, I kept scratching on 
the tables and tramping and stamping about at a 
great rate and came near crying. My tranquil old 
father saw all this and when I had gone entirely 
too far with my foolishness he grasped me quietly 
by the arm and leading me away to the window 
spoke these significant words: "Do you see the 
workshop of the cabinet maker over there on the 
other side of the street? It is closed to-day but 



THE OUTLOOK 



97 



to-morrow it will be opened. Then the plane and 
the saw will bestir themselves and the work will 
go briskly on through all the busy hours from ear- 
ly morning till evening. But reflect upon this fact; 
there will a morning make its appearance some- 
time in the future when the master with all his 
workmen shall go briskly to work to prepare a 
coffin for you, my son, and they will quickly and 
skillfully finish it. And then, in a business like 
manner they will bring the house of boards across 
to us; that house which is to receive at last the 
patient and the impatient, and is fitted to support, 
all too soon, the oppressively confining roof.' At 
once with mv mind's eye I saw all this taking 
place, saw the boards fitted together and 'the cov- 
ering of black cloth prepared, and after that T sat 
patiently and awaited quietly the coming of the 
coach . Since then if T see others running about 
rudely in anxious expectation I am led to think of 
the coffin " 

The pastor, smiling, said: "The touching im- 
age of death is not a terror to the wise and to the 
pious is not a token of the end of his existence. 
It brings the wise man back into renewed vigor and 
prompts him to generous action and it strength- 
ens in the pious man in time of affliction the hope of 
future blessedness, so that to both, the thought of 
death is a source of life, Your father was wrong 
in portraying to his sensitive boy death as the end 



9 8 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



of all things. It would be far better to show to 
the youth the value of a ripe old age and to the 
aged man the freshness of youth so that both may 
glean pleasure from the eternal round of life, 
each period thus being completed within its al- 
lotted space ol time.'' But just at this moment 
the door was opened and at it the splendid couple 
made their appearance. The friends as well as the 
loving parents were astonished at the figure of the 
maiden, a figure comparable to that of the youth. 
Indeed the door seemed too small to admit both 
their tali forms at once as they now stepped upon 
the threshold. 

Hermann introduced her to his parents in a few 
words. "Here," said he, "is a maiden just such 
as you have long wished to have in your house. 
Dear father, receive her kindly; she is worthy of 
it; and dear mother, you can question her at once 
in regard to the whole circuit of household duties 
that you may see how well she deserves to become 
nearer to you." Then he hastily drew the worthy 
pastor to one side and said: ''Most Reverend Sir, 
pray help me speedily out of this difficulty and ex- 
tricate me from this dilemma at the possible out- 
come of which I am so terrified, for I have not 
asked the maiden to become my bride, and she 
supposes that she has come into the house as a 
servant and I very much fear that she, displeased, 
will flee just as soon as marriage is proposed. But 



THE OUTLOOK 99 

let it be decided at once. She shall not longer 
rest under a false impression, and I can endure the 
doubt no longer. Hasten and put to use that wis- 
dom for which you are so greatly venerated." And 
the minister immediately returned to the company. 
But alas, the soul of the maiden had already been 
perturbed by the inconsiderate speech of the father 
for he had delivered himself of these cheerful 
words, in a comfortable way with the best of in 
tentions; "Yes, that pleases me my child, I per_ 
ceive with joy that my son has good taste just like 
his father, and 1 showed my taste in my younger 
days by always taking to the dance the very hand- 
somest young lady and, at last by bringing into 
my house as my wife the most beautiful of all, that 
was mother here. For by the wife which a man 
chooses one can easily determine what spirit he is 
of, and whether he recognizes his own worth. But 
you, too, as well as he, needed but little time to 
come to a decision, for I think certainly it was no 
difficult matter to decide in his favor." Hermann 
only partially heard these words yet his limbs trem- 
bled and the whole company at once became si. 
lent. But the excellent maiden, offended and 
deeply wounded in her soul by what seemed to 
her such mocking words, stood in their midst, her 
cheeks and her neck suffused with fleeting blushes, 
yet she restrained herself and controlled her emo- 
tions whilst she addressed the old gentleman not 



IOO 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



however altogether concealing the pain which 
he had caused her. "Truly for such a reception 
your son had not prepared me, who pictured to 
me his father's disposition as that of an excellent 
citizen; and I know perfectly well that I am stand- 
ing before a well bred man who conducts himself 
wisely toward each one, conformably to his rank 
and position. But it seems that you have no sym- 
pathy for the poor girl who has but just now cross- 
ed your threshold and who is now prepared to 
serve you; for otherwise you would not show me 
with such bitter irony how different my destiny is 
to be from that of your son and your self. Truly 
I came into this house which is well equipped in 
all respects and which is certainly desgined to 
make all its inmates contented and happy, as a 
poor girl with a small bundle as my only wealth. 
But I recognize my position full well, and I per- 
ceive the relation that exists between us. Is it 
noble in you to meet me at once on the threshold 
with such ridicule as to almost drive me from your 
house?" Anxiously Hermann bestirred himself 
and beckoned to his ministerial friend to act as a 
a mediator and to immediately dissipate the illu- 
sion. 

Quickly the wise pastor stepped forward 
and witnessed the silent mortification and the re- 
strained vexation of the maiden and saw the tears 
about to start from her eyes. Then his spirit bade 
him not immediately to dispel the bewilderment; 



THE OUTLOOK 



IOI 



but to put the agitated soul of the poor maiden, to 
a more severe test, and thereupon he said wi th 
searching words. "Surely, maiden, you did not 
take into consideration the habits of foreign coun- 
tries when you decided too speedily to take ser- 
vice with strangers, and did not think what it im- 
plies to enter the household of a master who is in - 
vested with full authority.' For one hand shake 
determines the whole destiny for the year and by 
one affirmative answer the person giving it may 
bind himself to endure many unpleasant things. 
Neither the ceaseless round of duties nor the bitter 
sweat caused by the never ending aud oppressive 
toil are the most difficult parts of service, for with 
these the free maiden is burdened equally with the 
serving maid. But to suffer the reproaches of the 
master when his accusations are unjust or when he 
demands this or that, and is inconsistent with him- 
self; and to put up with the impatience of the wife 
when she is easily irritated,, and with the rude and 
overbearing frowardness of the children, these 
things are hard to bear; and yet duty must be per- 
formed without neglect and promptly and the 
maid must not even sulkily hesitate. But you ap- 
pear to me not to be fitted for such a position 
since the father's jest wounded you so deeply, and 
yet nothing is of more frequent occurrence than to 
rally a maiden because some youth has taken her 
fancy." 



102 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



Thus he spoke, and the maiden felt the incisive 
remarks and could restrain herself no longer, bnt 
manifested most vehemently her wounded feelings. 
Her bosom rose and fell and, heaving a deep sigh, 
she said, with hot gushing tears, "O, never can 
the merely intelligent man who thinks to advise us 
in time of pain know how little his cold words are 
able to free the breast from that suffering which a 
resistless destiny has imposed upon it. You are 
fortunate and happy. How could a jest wound 
you? But the sick man feels most sensitively the 
lightest touch. No, it would now avail me noth- 
ing if my dissimulation should succeed. That had 
best at once be told which if disclosed at some 
later time would only cause deeper pain and per- 
haps drive me into silently consuming misery. 
Let me go away; I dare not remain in this house. 
I will start out and seek my own poor people whom 
I deserted in their misfortune in order to benefit 
myself alone. This is my firm resolve and there- 
fore I dare acknowledge to you what otherwise 
might have been hidden in my breast for years. 
Yes, the father's ridicule deeply wounded me, not 
because I am proud and sensitive, which is not 
becoming to a maid, but because in truth in my 
heart there has been an inclination incited toward 
the youth who appeared to-day as my rescuer. 
For, ever after he had left me on the road, he was 
continually in my thoughts and I kept picturing to 



THE OUTLOOK 



myself the fortunate maiden whom he was perhaps 
already cherishing in his heart as his future bride. 
And when I again found him at the spring, then I 
was as much pleased at his arrival as I should 
have been had one of the celestial beings sudden- 
ly stood before me, and hence I willingly followed 
him when he wished to employ me as a maid. 
And upon the way here my heart indeed flattered 
me (T will confess it) that I could at some time de- 
serve him if I should become the indispensible com- 
fort and mainstay of the household. But ah! T 
now perceive for the first time the danger into 
which I thrust myself by undertaking to dwell so 
close to my silently beloved. Now for the first 
time do I feel how far a poor girl is removed from 
the wealthier youth, let her be as efficient as she 
T rnay. All this have I said lest you might mis- 
judge the heart which has been wounded by an 
occurrence to which I am indebted for this clear- 
er view of the matter. For otherwise concealing 
my silent wishes, I should have been obliged to 
expect that at almost any time he might bring to 
the house some maiden as his bride, and how 
then should I have endured the secret pain? 
Luckily I am warned, and luckily the secret has 
come forth from the bosom now while yet the evil 
can be counteracted. But enough has been said, 
and now nothing shall keep me longer in this 
house where I only remain abashed and anxious? 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



but at liberty now, since my desire and my fool- 
ish hope have been acknowledged. Neither the 
night which has covered itself far and wide with 
lowering clouds, ncr the roiling thunder (I hear it) 
shall restrain me; nor shall the gush of rain which 
out of doors beats down with such violence, nor 
the roaring storm. All these I have endured up- 
on the sad flight, whilst close behind came the 
pursuing foe. And now I shall again go forth as 
seized by the rude whirlpool of the times, I have 
long been accustomed to do and thus to be sepa- 
rated from all that I most prize. Farewell! I shall 
remain no longer. The deed is done." 

Thus she spoke while moving quickly towards 
the door, and holding securely under her arm the 
little bundle which she had brought. But the 
mother clasped her in her arms, entwining them 
about her waist, and cried in amazement and con- 
sternation: "'Tell me. what does all this mean? 
And why these uncalled for tears? No, I shall 
not let you go! You are my son's espoused one. 
And the father also interposed, though with some 
reluctance, to prevent the girl's departure, and 
looking upon her as she stood there weeping, he 
made use of these peevish words: ''This is the 
return 1 am to have for my over-indulgence, that 
the most unpleasant occurrence of all takes place 
just at the close of the day; for to me nothing is 
more insufferable than the tears of women and the 



THE OUTLOOK 



passionate outcry which begins in violent confus- 
ion to arrange matters which with calmness and 
reason could be much more peaceably adjusted. 
To me it is wearisome longer to witness this won- 
derful proceeding. The matter may complete it- 
self. I shall go to bed." And he turned quickly 
and was hastening to the chamber where he was 
accustomed to take his repose. 

But the son stopped him and made use of this 
entreaty: "Father, do not be hasty and do not be 
angry with the maiden. I alone must bear the 
blame of all this confusion which, unexpectedly, 
our friend here has increased by his feint. Speak, 
honored sir, for I entrusted to you this whole 
affair. Do not increase the anxiety and vexation. 
Rather complete the matter at once, for I cannot 
so highly honor you in the future if you now use 
only your love of mischief instead of your admira- 
ble wisdom." 

Thereupon the worthy pastor, with a smile, re- 
plied: "What wisdom could have so well elicited 
this beautiful avowal from the good maiden, and 
revealed to us so clearly her feelings and emo- 
tions? Has not your care and anxiety at once 
changed to ecstasy and joy? Therefore speak for 
yourself. What need is there for explanations 
from another 

Then Hermann stepped forth and spoke these 
kindly words: "Do not regret your tears nor 



\ 



Io6 HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 

those fleeting annoyances for they have served to 
complete my happiness and, as I sincerely hope ? 
yours also. I came not to the fountain to-day for 
the purpose of hiring the excellent maiden, the 
stranger, as house maid, but I came to sue for 
your love. But ah, my timid look could not di- 
vine aright the desires of your heart. It could 
only discern friendship in your eye as you return- 
ed my gaze out of the glassy mirror of that peace- 
ful spring. To conduct you to our home, even 
as a maid, that was one half of happiness. But 
now you have made my bliss complete. Oh, hour 
of blessedness for me!" And the maiden looked 
upon the youth with deep emotion and refused not 
his embrace nor the kiss, which is the pinnacle of 
joy if it brings the long desired assurance to the 
loving ones, of future happiness in life which now 
appears to be unending. 

The pastor had explained to the others the 
whole situation. But the maiden knelt before the 
father of her own accord and with charming grace 
and kissing his half withdrawn hand said: "You, 
as a just man, will pardon, first the tears of pain, 
then the tears of joy. O, forgive me for the ex- 
pression of that former emotion and forgive me 
for this emotion, and only permit me to accom- 
modate myself to that good fortune which has but 
just now been granted me. Yes, let the first vex- 
ation of which I, in my confusion, was the cause 



THE OUTLOOK 



107 



be the last. The loving service to which the maid 
had pledged herself as a faithful maid, that shall 
I, as a daughter, render to you." And the father, 
scarcely concealing his tears, immediately em- 
braced her. Then the mother came up cordially 
and kissed her and grasped her by the hand and 
the two women wept there in silence. 

Then the good pastor siezed the hand of the 
father and drew from his finger his wedding ring 
(this was no easy matter, his finger had grown so 
plump and round that the ring at first refused to 
budge ) Then he took the ring from the mother's 
finger, and with these he betrothed the children, 
saying, "Let it once more be the destiny of these 
golden circlets to firmly cement a union which 
shall be equally propitious with the old one. This 
vouth is deeply imbued with the love of this maid- 
en, and the maiden acknowledges also that the 
youth is acceptable to her. Thus I hereby betroth 
you and invoke the continued blessings of Heaven 
upon you, with the approval of your parents and 
with our neighbor here as a witness. And the 
apothecary bowed in token of his heartfelt good 
wishes. 

But as the minister was about to place the ring 
on the finger of the girl he saw with feigned astonish- 
ment that other ring which Hermann had before 
looked upon with so much solicitude at the spring 
and thereupon he said with kindly, jesting words* 



io8 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



' : How is this! Are you betrothing yourself for the 
second time? Did the first bridegroom, with de- 
barring protestations, fail to present himself at the 
altar?" But she said, "Let me dedicate one mo- 
ment to this remembrance; for the kind one who 
placed this ring upon my finger deserves it. He 
gave it to me at parting and never again returned. 
He comprehended before hand all the consequen- 
ces when love of freedom and the desire to partic- 
ipate in the recently changed state of affairs im- 
pelled him to go to Paris; there, where a prison 
and death awaited him. "Farewell!'' said he, "I 
shall go; for eveything upon the earth is in agita- 
tation, and disruption is seen on every side. The 
laws of the most stable states are relaxed. From 
the former possessor his possessions are wrenched 
away. Friend tears himself from friend and in 
like manner love must part from love. I leave you 
here, and where I shall again find you, who knows? 
Very possibly this friendly talk shall be our last. 
It has been properly said that man is but a stran- 
ger here on earth. More than ever has each one 
become in these times a stranger. The soil has 
ceased to belong to us. Our treasure has depart- 
ed. The sacred utensils of our sanctuaries have 
been melted down for the gold and silver which 
they contain. All things are in commotion just 
as if the world, once formed, should resolve itself 
back into chaos and night, and then remodel itself 



THE OUTLOOK 



again. ,Do you keep for nie your heart, and if at 
any time we should find each other again among 
the ruins of the world then shall we be regenerat- 
ed beings, transformed, and free, and indpendent 
of destiny. For what can fetter him who has sur- 
vived these troublous times? But should it not 
be so, should we indeed not escape from these 
dangers and should not again be permitted to em- 
brace each other, Oh, then, keep my image ever 
present in your thoughts, that you with like cour- 
age may be prepared either for happiners or mis- 
fortune. If a new home should entice you, and 
another union, then enjoy with thanks what desti- 
ny has prepared for you. Love the loving ones 
with a pure devotion, and restrain not your grati- 
tude from him who has sought you. But even in 
such an event be not too certain of permanent 
happiness, for there ever lurks the possibility of a 
new loss and repeated pain. Sacred to you may 
the day of such a union be, yet prize not life high- 
er than other good gifts, and all good gifts are apt 
to be delusive.' Thus he spoke, and never again 
was I permitted to see the noble one. Meanwhile 
I lost everything and a thousand times have I 
thought of his admonition. And now I also think 
of his words since good fortune has secured for me 
here so nicely this love and has opened up for me 
such splendid hopes. Oh, pardon me, my good 
friend, that I tremble, even while leaning upon 



I IO 



HERMANN AND DOROTHEA 



your arm. Even so the firm foundation of the 
steadfast earth seems to the sailor who has at last 
reached the land, to sway and rock.'' 

Thus she spoke whilst she was placing the ring 
beside the other one. But the bridegroom said, 
with noble, manly emotion: "So much the firmer 
shall our union be, Dorothea, since so much com- 
motion exists everywhere about us. We shall be 
willing to stand firm and wait. We shall stead- 
fastly restrain ourselves, and steadfastly hold pos- 
session of our beautiful estates, for the person who 
in addition to the uncertainty of the times, lacks 
firmness of character, augments evil and extends 
it further and further, but he who is steadfast in 
his spirit may form a world to his own liking. It 
is not becoming for the Germans to carry on this 
frightful commotion and to vacillate hither and 
thither. These possessions are ours as Germans. 
Let us say so and dare to maintain them. For re- 
solute nations who make a stand for God and the 
maintenance of law and order, for parents, wives 
a^rd children will always be esteemed though they 
should be defeated, whilst making a common re- 
sistance to the foe. 

You are mine and in the present state of affairs 
what is mine is more exclusively mine than it 
could otherwise be. Not with reluctance do I 
protect my possessions nor do I enjoy them in 
fear, but rather with courage and power. And if now 



THE OUTLOOK 



1 1 r 



or at any future time the enemy should threaten us, 
then summon me and give me my weapons. I 
shall know that the house and the loving parents 
will be well cared for when left with you, and thus 
this breast shall with more confidence expose it- 
self to the foe. And if each one thought as I do, 
might would array itself against might and we 
should all soon be partaking of the enjoyment of a 
blessed peace." 



SEP 19 J899 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




021 899 018 6 £ 



